This publication provides an overview of Preschool for All and the Illinois Early Learning Council’s recommended next steps for funding and implementing it in Illinois. In 2006, our state had made significant advancements in its early learning system. Implementing a Preschool for All program could help ensure that the excellence that is available to some young children is available to all of our preschoolers and families.
Key Findings
In order to implement a Preschool for All program, this publication recommended Illinois:
- Build capacity to implement Preschool for All over multiple years, prioritizing high qualifications for staff, particularly lead teachers and program directors; improving staff preparation; and providing excellent ongoing professional development.
- Examine funding sources: Preschool for All monies would supplement, not replace, existing early childhood education funding streams, and would support infrastructure that promotes quality.
- Forge a coordinated, integrated early learning system that families can understand and easily access.
- Encourage and support community collaborations that foster partnerships and enhance service coordination at the local level between schools, early care and education providers, child care resource and referral agencies, colleges and universities, businesses, government, service groups, and parents.
Publications & Resources
Policy Team & Collaborators
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Stay up to date on early childhood policy issues and how you can take action to ensure more children have access to quality early learning and care in Illinois.
Contact Us
For questions or more information contact, Ireta Gasner, vice president, Illinois policy.
Resources for Professionals
From interactive courses to engaging events, we support educators in building powerful practices that transform teaching and learning.
We have heard both enthusiasm for and skepticism about the use of technology in the early childhood field. One area of discussion is the use of technology to reach and support parents and other caregivers of children. Because of technology’s potential to engage parents and the many questions surrounding its efficacy, The Early Learning Lab decided to focus on this issue. After a comprehensive information gathering and interviewing, we’re excited to release the report NextGen Technology: Insights and Recommendations to Support the Parents of Children Ages 0–3 with our insights and recommended action steps.
Publications & Resources
Note: Reports were published prior to the Start Early and The Early Learning Lab merger.
Case Studies & Reports
The Early Learning Lab shares insights, tools and innovation processes developed through its solutions with the broader early childhood field.
The Early Learning Lab
An innovation lab that uses human-centered design + systems thinking + technology to transform how we meet the needs of young children and families.
Services & Solutions
The Early Learning Lab develops innovative technology solutions designed to empower parents, caregivers and teachers.