Illinois launches Department of Early Childhood, announces workforce funding
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — Illinois officially launched the Illinois Department of Early Childhood on Tuesday, creating the state’s first agency dedicated solely to early childhood programs and services.
The new department consolidates programs previously administered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois State Board of Education and the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development.
State officials said the agency will oversee more than $4.3 billion in grants and services supporting children and families, particularly those with children from the prenatal stage through age 5.
Programs now housed within the department include childcare assistance, Early Intervention, home visiting programs, childcare licensing, preschool programs and infant and early childhood mental health services.
The department also announced nearly $49.8 million in Smart Start Workforce Grants for 3,984 eligible early childhood programs across Illinois. Officials said the funding is intended to help providers increase compensation for educators and staff without raising costs for families.
In addition, the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget includes a $15 million increase for Illinois’ Early Intervention program. About $3.5 million will be used to increase reimbursement rates for certain providers beginning Oct. 1, while the remaining funding will support current services and improve program operations.
State officials said families currently receiving services should not experience any changes in how they access early childhood programs during the transition.
