IL HB3581

Illinois Student Assistance Commission must implement an Early Childhood Workforce Free College grant program beginning in the 2019-2020 academic year for eligible child care workers pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees.

Eligible applicants must have worked in licensed child care or early childhood education settings for at least 2 years or within the past 5 years, possess a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, and maintain Illinois residency.

Grants equal the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions or regionally accredited online early childhood degree programs, minus other student aid, with additional support available for books, supplies, and fees for students with demonstrated need.

Early Childhood Workforce Advisory Committee created with representatives from state agencies, universities, child care organizations, and early childhood providers to advise on program implementation and workforce expansion.

Early Childhood Workforce Free College Fund established as a special state treasury fund to support the grant program through legislative appropriations and donations.