Early Learning Illinois


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4	Check the frequently asked questions (pdf file) or fact sheet (pdf file) about Preschool for All
4	Read Early Learning Illinois' press releases
4	See what Illinois leaders are saying about Preschool for All
4	Check out Early Learning Illinois' radio campaign. LEARN MORE, or LISTEN (mp3 file)
4	"Preschool for all" endorsers list grows
4	Read the latest research and reports
4	Find contact information for your state legislators

Raising Young Children to the Top of the Policy Agenda

A new report, "Raising Young Children to the Top of the Policy Agenda: Lessons from Illinois," tells the story of how Illinois' groundbreaking Preschool for All policy happened and put our state at the forefront of early childhood policy and practice. Read the report (pdf file 210kb).

Illinois Makes History with Preschool for All

The Preschool for All legislation makes Illinois the first state in the nation with plans to offer voluntary, high-quality preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds. “I think Illinois and Governor Blagojevich are setting the bar high for the rest of the country by instituting this program of early learning opportunity," said Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a leading expert in child development. Read the Governor's press release, and see what programs are offering Preschool for All.

Early Learning Illinois Receives National Award

The Early Learning Illinois campaign received a "Pre-K Champion" award from national organization Pre-K Now.

Margie Wallen, Ounce of Prevention Fund; Jerry Stermer, Voices for Illinois Children; and Maria Whelan, Illinois Action for Children receive the award from (pictured from left) U.S. Reps. Judy Biggert, Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky.

Reports Highlight Early Learning:

Quality Preschool Good for the Economy - A policy brief by The Brookings Institution concludes that a high-quality universal preschool policy could add $2 trillion to annual U.S. GDP by 2080.
Illinois' Preschool Progress Noted - A national report by Pre-K Now, "Leadership Matters: Governors' Pre-K Proposals Fiscal Year 2007," (pdf file 460 kb) assesses governors' commitment to high-quality preschool.

Early Learning Makes Good Business Sense, Federal Reserve Bank Economist Says

"Early childhood development is economic development," Federal Reserve Bank economist Art Rolnick says. Pictured: Sen. Don Harmon; Jerry Stermer, Voices for Illinois Children; Sam Meisels, Erikson Institute; Adele Simmons, Chicago Metropolis 2020; Harriet Meyer, Ounce of Prevention Fund; Art Rolnick, Federal Reserve Bank; M. Hill Hammock, LaSalle Bank; Maria Whelan, Action for Children; Richard Kiphart, William Blair & Co.; Harrison Steans, Steans Family Foundation.