Governor JB Pritzker Speaks at Raising Illinois Launch
Earlier this month, Raising Illinois' virtual event brought together hundreds of advocates to discuss the challenges infants, toddlers and expecting families are facing today and the opportunities for change ahead. Governor JB Pritzker thanked the many organizations and individuals working to make Illinois the best state to raise young children. The event recording and resources mentioned can now be found here.
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Illinois Cares for Kids is inviting all families to join Ready4K! Ready4K is a free research-based text messaging program for families with child(ren) ages 0-11 in Illinois. The program supports families, increases children’s learning, and provides a method for the State to share customized early childhood messaging with families.
Each week, parents receive three text messages to help them build their child(ren)’s literacy skills by maximizing existing family routines in fun and easy ways. Messages are delivered in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, or Russian!
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Needs Assessment Updates Completed |
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As part of the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5), the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD) contracted with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to address gaps that were identified in the initial Statewide Needs Assessment, which was conducted in 2020. The updated Needs Assessment includes:
The Family Needs Study: AIR conducted a qualitative study and an online survey to learn from families how they engage with the ECEC system, what their needs are, and how the ECEC system might better address those needs. The study includes families with children prenatal to three years old, as well as families with children ages three to five years old.
The Data Matrix Project: AIR convened stakeholders to build consensus and develop recommendations to resolve existing data gaps in Illinois’ Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system. The report outlines the overlaps and conflicts between existing data definitions.
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Resources to Support Workforce Development in Illinois |
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Sharing best practices and professional development for the ECEC workforce continues to be a focus area for the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development. Brief descriptions of initiatives funded by the Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five efforts are listed below. More detailed reports including outcomes and recommendations from year two PDG B-5 workforce initiatives can be found by clicking the button below.
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Through PDG B-5 funding, INCCRRA offered the Illinois early care and education workforce an opportunity to attain their credentials by waiving the $65 Gateways to Opportunity® Credential new and renewal application fees.
This program supplied a $600 reimbursement directly to early educators as they attempted to address barriers such as tuition, fees, and outstanding student debt. This opportunity was made available statewide, with priority given to early educators either currently enrolled in coursework at an accredited Illinois institution of higher education or blocked from future enrollment at an accredited Illinois institution of higher education because of an outstanding balance due.
In 2021, The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD) invested $75,000 in supplemental funds through the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) in this program. These funds were specifically designated to reach individuals in the Early Care and Education workforce pursuing coursework leading to an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator Licensure (PEL) with an Early Childhood endorsement at 4-year accredited higher education institutions in Illinois.
This initiative focused on identified gaps in educational content when comparing the competencies embedded in the Gateways ECE Credential Level 5 and the state’s PEL competencies. A new set of competencies were developed to mitigate the identified educational gaps and will act as the “bridge” for the workforce moving from the Gateways ECE Credential Level 5 toward a PEL.
A consortium of faculty from Illinois Higher Education Institutions worked collaboratively to build out curriculum into discrete modules using Illinois Gateways Infant Toddler Credential (early childhood teacher preparation) competencies as the foundation.
This pilot was the next step in a content development project in which module content for all early childhood competencies and assessments were developed during the 2019-2020 Gateways to Opportunity project. In this pilot, five institutions embedded the content developed in 2019-2020 to test the content and its perceived efficacy for both traditional (degree-seeking) and non-traditional learners interested in pursuing early childhood education pathways.
This project was developed as an addition to the 2020-2021 competency module content pilot in which five institutions tested the content and perceived efficacy of modules developed in 2019-2020 as part of the Gateways to Opportunity project. The goal of this project was to utilize the competency assessments developed as part of the Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential teacher preparation competency-based project to offer Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) opportunities to students at Heartland Community College and National Louis University, both of whom were part of the main competency module content pilot.
The Early Childhood Competency Based Baccalaureate Initiative at National Louis University (NLU) was created to support the tuition and fees for the incumbent early childhood workforce. This initiative provided a high quality, innovative, cohort based accelerated ECE B.A. program. Access and support for individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities, leading to the Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), with an ECE endorsement, and the Gateways Level 5 ECE and Infant Toddler Credentials was offered to interested individuals.
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Orientation to the Illinois Model for Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health (I/ECMH) Consultation |
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Registration is now open for the Orientation to the Illinois Model for I/ECMHC on April 11– April 22, 2022.
On behalf of Mental Health Consultation in Illinois, the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development and the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, we invite you to register for the April Orientation to the Illinois Model for I/ECMHC. The virtual orientation series will take place April 11– April 22, 2022. Please reference the attached April Orientation Information Flyer for more information on dates and times. If you have already participated, please share with colleagues who may be interested in attending this event.
22 CEUs for Social Work and Professional Counselor are available to participants who complete the entire orientation.
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Illinois Division of Mental Health DC: 0-5 Clinical Training Initiative |
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The Division of Mental Health is hosting five training opportunities over the next five months. CEUs will be offered from Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulations for social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists. An application for CEUs for early intervention is in process.
Each training opportunity consists of the same 3-day course. Please do NOT register for multiple courses. Each course is five and a half hours (30 min lunch break) on the dates listed below. Registration is required and space is limited for each course. Please note that full participation across the full three days is required.
Due to the limited space, please do not register for a course to merely “save a space” without ensuring you are able to attend the full course.
Training Course Dates (W/Th/F) 9AM-2:30PM and Registration Links
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Opportunities & Updates from Birth to Five Illinois |
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Community Engagement Live Webinars
Birth to Five Illinois is holding live webinars from 6-7pm every Tuesday and Thursday between March 8 th and April 5 th. Zoom links are posted on their website. There will be live Spanish interpretation during all sessions. Anyone who missed their region’s event can catchup on YouTube.
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Chicago Kick-Off Event
Chicago residents (1-A) can register now for one of the upcoming Birth to Five Illinois and Every Child Ready Chicago (ECRC) Kick-Off Events. Sessions will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 12-1:30 pm and 5:30-7 pm. The same information will be presented at both meetings, so choose the option that works best for your schedule. There will be live Spanish interpretation during both sessions.
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Selection Committee Interest Form
Are you passionate about early childhood education and care but unable to join a Birth to Five Action or Family Council at this time? Birth to Five Illinois is seeking people to be on the Selection Committee to build a diverse network of regional Councils.
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In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
Click here to sign up for newsletters from Birth to Five Illinois.
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness for the ECEC Workforce
March 31, 2:00-3:00 Central Time
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Please join this webinar, hosted by the ACF Office of Early Childhood Development and the Department of Education, that will highlight flexibilities offered through the Limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver, and how the early care and education (ECE) workforce can take advantage of this time-limited opportunity. Speakers will discuss:
· An overview of the Limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver;
· How to qualify and apply for loan forgiveness;
· Access resources and technical assistance available; and
· Respond to frequently asked questions from the ECE field.
This webinar will benefit anyone in the ECE workforce with federal student loans and/or administrators who want to support their ECE staff, including those working in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and other early care and education settings.
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Teach Plus Early Childhood Educator Policy Fellowship Application |
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Teach Plus Illinois’ programs are highly selective leadership opportunities for outstanding teachers looking to expand their influence without having to leave the classroom. They span the 2022-2023 school year and offer selected teachers a generous stipend for their time and work.
The ECE Policy Fellowship is for teachers who want to learn about policy and advocate on behalf of all students. For all programs, Teach Plus Illinois is seeking cohorts of excellent teachers who reflect the cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity of our students. Application deadline is April 24, 2022. There is an ECE information session April 6, 2022.
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Early Childhood Policy Analyst Position at Jewish United Fund |
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The Jewish United Fund (www.juf.org) is hiring an Early Childhood Policy Advocate who will be responsible for analyzing public policies, programs, and public funding support for Chicagoland’s Jewish early childhood centers. This person will work as a member of the JUF Education team supporting the Jewish Early Childhood Collaborative, and in partnership with JUF’s Public Affairs Department. Focusing primarily on the implementation of the Build Back Better Act, the right candidate will provide analyses of early childhood programs, policy proposals, legislation, and agency rules to help stakeholders in the Jewish community navigate the new relationships with the state of Illinois that will emerge. |
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month |
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The public is invited to join the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Hospital Sisters Health System, the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, elected officials, child welfare stakeholders and more for a month-long observance to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and promote prevention efforts across the country during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. This year’s theme, Growing Better Together, is a call to action to support each other and focus on the positive environment we all need to survive and thrive.
To heighten awareness, Illinois DCFS will host events across the state in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. All events are open to the public. All Illinoisans can get involved and show their commitment to ending child abuse by wearing blue on April 1 and posting pictures on social media with the hashtags #GreatChildhoods and #GoBlueIllinois.
In addition, as part of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) Project, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois is conducting a statewide survey on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The information will help guide future education and public awareness campaigns. Please complete the survey and forward it to family, colleagues, and partners. PCA Illinois’ goal is to reach at least 5,000 people from across the state.
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Partner State Discount for Annual BUILD Conference
The BUILD Initiative will provide a $100 discount on the early bird registration fee for its 2022 virtual conference. Any persons from Illinois should register at https://buildinitiative.org/events/build-2022-virtual-conference/. In the tickets section, click "Enter Code" and enter BUILDSTATE100OFF to receive the discount. Then select the number of tickets and click the orange “Register Now” button. This discount will end on April 30, 2022.
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Illinois Model for Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation |
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In response to the 2021 Chapin Hall evaluation of the Illinois Model of Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Pilot, a diverse group of stakeholders, systems leaders, and content experts met to update the Illinois Model of Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation.
There is a new competency, "An Understanding of the Impact of Trauma on Early Childhood Development" and a competency crosswalk that defines the alignment of the Illinois Model competencies with Illinois Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health graduate-level programs, and federally funded programs. Organizations in the cross-walk are:
- The Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation;
- Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Office of Head Start, National Centers; Competences: Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
- Mental Health Consultation in Illinois, INCCRRA
- The Illinois Association of Infant Mental Health, I/ECMH Credential
- Erikson Institute Certificate in Infant Mental Health program
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CDC Updated Developmental Milestones |
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), just released their updated developmental milestones as part of their Learn the Signs. Act Early. program. The program’s purpose is to help parents and caregivers learn more about their child’s development, including ways to promote development and what to do if they have concerns. The AAP and CDC made changes to improve clarity around when most children would reach a milestone, therefore reducing the occurrence of taking the “wait and see” approach with missed milestones. Some changes include:
- assigning milestones to ages when most children (75 percent or more) would have reached them (for example, by 6 months of age, 75 percent of babies like to look at themselves in the mirror.)
- Identifying additional social and emotional milestones children should meet (including smiling on their own to get your attention at 4 months).
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Children’s Mental Health: Understanding an Ongoing Public Health Concern |
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A new report on children’s mental health used data from 9 different sources to describe mental health and mental disorders in children during 2013–2019. This report is a collaboration of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with other federal agencies including the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the National Institute of Mental Health. It represents an update to the first ever cross-agency children’s mental health surveillance report in 2013.
The new report found that poor mental health among children was a substantial public health concern even before the pandemic. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety among children of all ages, and symptoms related to depression among adolescents, are the most common concerns. More information on positive indicators of mental health such as emotional well-being and resilience is needed to truly understand children’s mental health.
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ReadyNation Illinois Report Early Care & Education: A Business Imperative |
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ReadyNation Illinois' network of business leaders has issued a new report, calling upon the state to strengthen its workforce and economy through research-proven investments in young children's well-being. Three ReadyNation Illinois members — execs from the Illinois Manufacturers Association and the Kankakee and Belleville chambers of commerce — joined in the news conference for this report's release. So, too, did former Illinois Early Childhood Commission Co-Chair George Davis. In this report, ReadyNation calls the Commission's recommendations a "good business plan" for the state to follow, and reiterates support for the PN3/Raising Illinois aims, as well.
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Early Childhood Transformation Team Celebrates Women’s History Month |
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In honor and celebration of Women’s History Month, the Early Childhood Transformation Team (ECTT) recognizes the women of our Illinois early childhood and care (ECEC) workforce. The early childhood and care workforce has been and continues to be largely women, and more specifically women of color. In Illinois alone, the populations of staff of color are between 53-64% depending on role. This trend holds true nationally. In the past two years, the ECEC workforce has been of particular interest as these workers have had one of the greatest responsibilities- taking care of Illinois’ youngest learners while in a pandemic. In some of the worst months of the pandemic, nationally, employers across industries have noted that a major reason for decreased output or worker absence has been lack of child care. A lack of child care and subsequently the lack of the full force of the ECEC workforce limits the ability for workers to return to work. That is why, this Women’s History Month, the ECTT recognizes the backbone of our ECEC workforce- women. |
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Maternal and Child Health Resources |
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Childhood and Adolescent Vaccine Education Series |
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- Do vaccines cause autism?
- Will my child be OK if they have a side effect to a vaccine?
- Pediatricians address the most common questions parents ask about their children’s vaccinations and offer tips on finding correct information online
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Help Families Keep Medicaid Coverage |
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The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services(HFS) is preparing for the end of the Federal Covid-19 Public Health Emergency. They will need to send out paperwork and are asking Medicaid customers to update their mailing address if it has changed. They can update their address with Illinois Medicaid by calling 877-805-5312 from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm or visit www2.illinois.gov/hfs/address.
HFS is asking for assistance to reach as many people as possible and has created a toolkit with messages, flyers and social media templates. They will soon be available in multiple languages. Please distribute these messages far and wide to reach as many people who use Illinois Medicaid as possible.
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Updated Masking Guidance from the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services |
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Effective February 28, 2022, because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that masks are needed only in areas of high transmission, Governor JB Pritzker lifted the State’s indoor masking requirements, including the use of face coverings in day care settings. As has been the case throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, individual day care settings may choose to require precautions above and beyond state requirements, such as continuing to require indoor use of face coverings.
The CDC is in the process of updating their recommendations for early childhood education and child care programs. Illinois will work to update local guidance with more details based on these forthcoming recommendations and will provide an update as soon as available.
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Updated Guidance & Resources for Home Visiting Programs |
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COVID – Know Your Community Level |
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The CDC is now monitoring COVID-19 using Community Levels.
COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Layered prevention strategies — like staying up to date on vaccines, screening testing, ventilation and wearing masks — can help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system.
Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area.
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