IL HR0416

Recognizes Illinois' early childhood education workforce is experiencing a teacher recruitment and retention crisis, with 42% turnover rates in licensed child care centers compared to 21% in school-based programs

Highlights that early childhood education generates $2.6 billion annually in Illinois and serves nearly one million children ages birth to five, with 40% living in low-income families

Notes that 46% of Illinois child care workers earn low enough salaries to qualify for public health benefits, costing the state $71.4 million, and inadequate salary/benefits are the most cited barriers to hiring

Urges the General Assembly to modernize early childhood education funding and teacher qualification standards to address the workforce crisis

Calls on the Governor to increase early childhood education provider representation on advisory councils including the Illinois Learning Council, DCFS Daycare Advisory Council, DHS Childcare Advisory Council, and Professional Development Advisory Council