Greetings Early Childhood Community, |
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I hope everyone continues to be well. I am honored to welcome Hannah Rivera as the new ExceleRate Pilot Support Specialist at the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD). |
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Hannah Rivera comes with first-hand knowledge and experiences from having worked 11 years directly in an array of early childhood education programs in Alaska and Illinois, such as military/government, for-profit, and non-profit organizations. She is dedicated and passionate in ensuring every child and family has the equitable, quality opportunities they deserve for a healthy and successful life. She is committed to ensuring early childhood staff receive the support, compensation, and recognition they deserve. She believes in being a lifelong learner and the value that must be placed in education across the State of Illinois, the nation, and globally. Regarding her own higher education, she has achieved her Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Alaska Anchorage; her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Small Business Management from Kendall College; her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Teacher Leadership from Concordia University – Portland; and is currently pursuing and working towards completing her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. Hannah is excited to partner with the team at GOECD, and applicable stakeholders and partners, to move the needle of quality of early childhood education programming further in Illinois.
We at GOECD look forward to working with Hannah and welcome her to our team!
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Jamilah R. Jor'dan, PhD
Executive Director
Illinois Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD)
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Governor JB Pritzker Announces $200 Million Investment to Strengthen Illinois' Early Childhood Workforce |
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Building on the Administration’s ongoing work to make Illinois the best state in the nation to raise young children, on July 28, 2021, Governor JB Pritzker announced a $200 million investment of federal funds in additional training, mentorships, and scholarships to pursue advanced credentials for the child care workforce over the next two years.
Governor Pritzker also signed HB 2878, establishing a statewide early childhood consortium to strengthen access to high-quality child care and direct this funding to where it can be most effective. Roughly $150 million in funding will be directed towards resources for child care workers, and nearly $120 million will go towards financial support — including scholarships — to encourage child care workers to pursue advanced credentials. An additional $30 million will provide coaches, mentors, and navigators the tools needed to help child care workers pursue their degrees. This allotment of federal funding has the potential to upskill about 20 percent of those in need, or about 5,600 child care workers, who may not be able to otherwise complete a postsecondary degree by 2024.
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Governor Signs Landmark Legislation Expanding Telehealth Access |
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On July 22, 2021, Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 3308 into law, increasing access to telehealth services in communities across Illinois. The new law builds upon ongoing efforts to ensure that all Illinoisans have uninterrupted access to telehealth, which they received from trusted health care providers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation prevents insurance plans from requiring a patient to attend an in-person visit before a telehealth service. It also expands the Early Intervention services that can be provided through telehealth. To protect confidentiality, the bill bars insurers from requiring patients to provide a reason—such as proof of hardship or an access barrier—for choosing a telehealth visit over an in-person consult. Additionally, an insurer cannot require that patients see a healthcare provider virtually if they prefer an in-person visit, nor can an insurer mandate that physicians offer telehealth.
To ensure telehealth services continues to improve patient outcomes, the legislation commissions a study to be reported in 2026, which will examine the impact of telehealth on health equity and patient access to care.
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Message from Secretary Hou: New IDHS Division of Early Childhood |
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The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is establishing a new, sixth division – the Division of Early Childhood. Creating this division reflects the importance of the early childhood mission at IDHS and the priority Governor JB Pritzker has put on making Illinois the best state in America to raise young children. As of October 16, 2021, Kirstin Chernawsky will serve as the inaugural Director of IDHS's Division of Early Childhood. Bethany Patten, Associate Director for the Office of Early Childhood at the Division of Family and Community Services, will serve as Interim Director until then.
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CDPH Announces New Indoor Mask Mandate |
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On August 17, 2021, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced it will re-institute a face mask mandate for all indoor public settings as the average number of new daily cases of COVID-19 in Chicago surpasses 400. All individuals aged two and over, regardless of their vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask as of Friday, August 20, 2021, while indoors in public settings. |
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COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project |
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In partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is pleased to announce the extension of the Immigrant Family Support Project through December 2022. The project offers cash assistance to immigrants who:
- Have lived in Illinois for at least six months
- Make below 200% of the federal poverty line
- Are NOT ELIGIBLE for ANY public benefits, including:
- Federal Economic Impact Payments established to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Unemployment insurance
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income
- TANF/WIC/SNAP or any other public assistance
Click the button below for more information and to find a partner organization to support you in applying for assistance.
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Do Masks Delay Speech and Language Development? |
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new article discussing family concerns about whether continuous use of face masks by child care providers, preschool teachers, and other adults may negatively affect their child's speech and language development.
While this is a natural concern, according to the AAP, there is no evidence that use of face masks prevents or delays speech and language development. Infants and young children use a range of cues including gestures, changes in tone of voice, and emotions conveyed through the eyes to understand language.
The article offers tips for adults to better communicate with children while wearing a face mask, discusses speech/language therapy services and the positive impact they are having (even when the therapist is wearing a mask), and includes links to resources and additional information.
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Click below to access COVID-19 Resources for: |
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Invitation to Register for the DC:0-5™ Overview Training |
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Governor JB Pritzker approved the allocation of Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding for the elements of Public Act 101-0654 that calls for supports across the continuum of Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health (I/ECMH).
To advance this work, GOECD will be hosting a virtual DC:0-5™ Overview Training on Tuesday, August 31, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. This event will serve as an overview of the DC:0-5™ Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood and is designed to help professionals in mental health and related fields understand the background, approach, and content areas of the DC:0-5™, as well as the importance of developmentally appropriate diagnostic practices.
We hope you can join to learn more about how this DC:0-5™ training aligns with local efforts in Illinois to enhance the continuum of support for I/ECMH and promote the well-being of young children.
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NIEER Seeks Input from the Early Childhood Workforce |
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The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) is conducting a project for the Foundation for Child Development to create a plan for a survey of the early care and education workforce that would provide representative data for every state and inform policy. There are many proposals for policy changes intended to affect the workforce, and most early childhood education and care policies impact the workforce regardless of whether they are intended to do so. NIEER is soliciting input on the content for a proposed survey from a wide range of stakeholders and wants to gather the opinions of members of the workforce themselves about what they think should be included in the survey.
NIEER is seeking input from everyone working with children under age five to inform the design of a future nationwide, state-representative survey of the early childhood education and care workforce. Early educator input will influence the scope and content of the survey. Answers are completely anonymous, and the survey includes 11-questions.
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Sign up for the Illinois Early Learning Newsletter! |
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The Illinois Early Learning Project (IELP) website is a source of evidence-based, reliable information on early childhood education and care for the families, caregivers, and educators of young children in Illinois. IELP is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). You can subscribe to the IEL monthly e-newsletter to keep up with the latest additions to the Illinois Early Learning website. The newsletter is now available in Spanish! Click here to view past IEL newsletters.
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Employment Opportunities at the Illinois Board of Higher Education |
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The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has a number of position openings posted on their website, including two positions to lead the development of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity. Several of these openings would be ideal for individuals who are interested in education policy and systems work, especially the intersection of higher education with P-12 education. IBHE has recently posted several position openings including: Associate Director and a Fellowship to lead Learning Renewal initiatives; Project Director and Assistant Project Director to lead the development of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity; and Deputy Director for Budget and Fiscal Affairs. |
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Chicago Commons Job Opportunities |
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For 125 years Chicago Commons has empowered individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty and systemic barriers, embrace opportunities, and thrive across generations. With over 800 professionals and growing, Chicago Commons has a strong team of early childhood education teachers, family workers, home care aides, and other program staff working together to move children and families toward educational success, economic security, and health and well-being. As a recent recipient of a federal Head Start grant, Chicago Commons is rapidly expanding to meet the needs of Chicago’s youngest residents. They are looking to fill the following roles as soon as possible: Social Service Coordinator, Director of Delegates, Data Management Aide, and Mental Health Manager.
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First Step Day Care is Looking for Qualified Teachers and Assistants |
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Teachers and assistants are needed for First Step Day Care's Infant Room, Toddler Room, Two's Room, and Pre-Kindergarten Room. They are also in need of a Qualified School Age Teacher for their School Age Room. Positions and hours are varied, with wages based on applicants education and credential levels. A stipend is provided from Aflac for employees Health, Vision, and Dental. |
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PDG B-5 Education Reimbursement Initiative |
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If you have attended, or currently attend, an accredited Illinois college or university, you can apply for a maximum of $600 to repay existing debt owed directly to your higher education institution. Funding will be given to early educators (center director, assistant director, teacher, assistant teacher, family child care provider, family child care assistant, group home provider, group home assistant, Preschool for All teacher, or Preschool for All teacher aide) working directly with children ages birth through five who are employed by an Illinois early childhood program and are currently enrolled in coursework at an accredited Illinois college or university. Illinois early educators who are attempting to enroll in coursework at an accredited Illinois college or university but are blocked from doing so due to a current outstanding balance may also apply. Educators performing other direct services in early childhood settings and educators working in license-exempt programs are not being considered for reimbursement through this program at this time. |
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With PDG B-5 Funding, Gateways Credential Renewals Are FREE |
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Through special Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) funding, Gateways Credential renewals are free! Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click on the "Learn More" button below for step-by-step instructions on how to renew your Credential(s).
Please note: the School-Age and Youth Development Credential still has a $65 fee.
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PDG B-5 Also Supports Funding for the Gateway Scholarship |
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Also via PDG B-5 funding, the Gateways Scholarship Program will pay a portion of tuition for eligible professionals working in early care and education or school-age programs who want to earn college credit, Credentials, or degrees. The courses taken need to be in early childhood education (ECE) or child development. Eligible professionals can be enrolled in an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree program or taking classes toward a certificate, endorsement, or Credential. |
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NAEYC - Progress and Peril: Child Care at a Crossroads |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the essential role of child care and early learning for children, working families, and the economy. Emergency federal and state relief funds have provided critical support for stabilizing child care programs and preventing more widespread permanent program closures, but they do not address the systemic challenges that have plagued the child care market – parents and providers alike – for decades. As such, they are just the beginning of what is needed to recover and rebuild. The National Association for the Education of Young Children's newest survey, completed by more than 7,500 respondents between June 17 - July 5, 2021, working across all states and settings, shows that child care’s struggle to survive continues. |
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New AAP Policies On Preventing Toxic Stress and Promoting Trauma-Informed Care |
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new statements and resources emphasizing the significance of safe, stable, nurturing relationships for infants and young children. |
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Preventing Childhood Toxic Stress: Partnering with Families and Communities to Promote Relational Health advises a public health approach to relational health at the provider, practice, and community levels. Click here to learn more.
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Trauma-Informed Care in Child Health Systems provides techniques and tools to address trauma in clinical settings and includes specific recommendations to fully implement trauma-informed policies and procedures. Click here to learn more.
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The AAP has also developed the following information/resources to support families and caregivers in understanding and implementing strategies to promote healthy development and resilience:
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Return to School Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic |
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Scheduling a well-visit with your child's provider is an essential step to being prepared for the upcoming school year. The American Academy of Pediatrics' COVID-19 guidance for safe schools states: it is vital that all children receive recommended vaccinations on time and get caught up if they are behind as a result of the pandemic; and all eligible individuals should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, as flu season approaches, the flu vaccine is highly encouraged for all students and staff. Make your family's plan for getting caught up and vaccinated this summer/fall. |
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Free Lead in Water Testing For Child Care Providers |
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LeadCare Illinois makes it easy for child care providers to fulfill their Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requirements by offering free lead in water testing, training, and mitigation plan support.
Whether you need to retest your water or are just getting started, LeadCare Illinois provides free testing and support every step of the way. Testing the water at your facility is the first step to ensuring the children you serve have access to safe, healthy water.
Register for a test kit by clicking the button below or by calling (312) 300-7074.
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Updated Inclusion Models and Guidance Document from ISBE |
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The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has updated the early childhood guidance around inclusion in preschool. This new guidance combines models for successful inclusion, as well as guidance and clarification on what inclusion can look like in public preschool settings in Illinois. The updated guidance is posted on ISBE's Early Childhood Preschool Inclusion/Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) page.
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