We believe that all Illinois children should be healthy, eager to learn and ready to succeed by the time they enter school.

We believe that high-quality, accessible early learning opportunities provide parents, early education and child care professionals, and children with the opportunity to do their best - now and in the future.

We know that this vision is shared by a wide cross-section of the Illinois public. We will work to make the improvement and expansion of early learning opportunities a priority for our state's leaders.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

• Research confirms that high-quality early learning boosts children’s readiness for school and for later life.

• High-quality preschool programs are not available to all children Illinois. They should be.

• Although the early years are the most important for a child’s cognitive development, our society puts minimal resources into maximizing this opportunity.

• Illinois voters believe that the state can and must do more to make early learning opportunities available to all children.

WHAT WE WILL DO

• Make improvement and expansion of early learning opportunities a top priority for state government officials, including the governor.

• Mobilize parents, educators, business and civic leaders, policymakers and legislators.

• Advise the media on this issue and work with them to ensure coverage.

• Create and distribute educational materials, including a short video, which give information and a call to action.

• Increase voter registration among people who care about early learning.

• Work with policymakers and legislators to develop programs and policies that give families options and access to early learning opportunities and greater opportunities for educators.

• Convene a bipartisan leadership team of state policymakers who will lead the charge for Early Learning Illinois' agenda.

WHAT WE HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH

• The governor will promote policies and seek funding to support parents as children's first teachers and provide voluntary, accessible, high-quality preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds as part of our Early Learning Illinois goal to improve and expand early learning opportunities for all children, starting at birth.

• Leaders from all sectors in Illinois - business, policymakers, legislators, media, education, civic interests - will work toward the goal of improving and expanding early learning opportunities.

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