As a newly minted grandparent, I have been reintroduced to the struggle today’s new parents face when it comes to figuring out child care. I thought it was hard 34 years ago … fast forward to my stepson and his wife looking for day care for their 6-month-old son in the last couple of months. The effort to secure child care has intensified, driven by an increased demand for quality child-care services, coupled with a limited supply of accessible and affordable options. First-time parents find themselves facing lengthy waiting lists, steep costs, and the possibility of compromising on standards.
The State of Illinois seems to be taking steps to mitigate some of the concerns. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation 2023 Child Well-Being report, Illinois ranked 19th among states for overall child well-being, highlighting cost and shortage of child care affecting families the most. The good news is that Illinois ranked eighth in the report’s education category, putting focus on improved early childhood care and education through new policies and programs.
One key element in Illinois’ favor is Smart Start, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s focus on investing in birth-five programs. Last year, the state allocated $250 million to launch Smart Start, an all encompassing initiative to put money into the child-care workforce with scholarships and apprenticeships for child care professionals. This will boost a skilled workforce capable of fostering positive outcomes for children in their early formative years. Smart Start is also focused on creating more seats for preschoolers with the ultimate goal of having universal preschool for 3- and 4- year-olds by 2027.
In his recent February address, Gov. Pritzker proposed another $150 million increase in funding for the 2025 fiscal year. Eventually, Illinois plans to streamline and house everything (State Board of Education Early Childhood Block Grants/Department of Children and Family Services day care licensing program / Department of Human Services child-care, home visiting and early intervention services) under an Early Childhood State Agency. It will be a multi-year process and the General Assembly will work on legislation in spring of 2024.
Illinois’ efforts in funding and streamlining child care and early childhood education will hopefully result in parents having access to reliable, affordable, high-quality child care that will give Illinois families a place to thrive and make the state a great place to raise a child.
Holly Sparkman is the retired director of communications for Rock Island/
Milan School District and now uses her communications skills and expertise to help others and make a difference in the community. She can be contacted at hksparkman@gmail.com.
