IL HR0755

Urges the General Assembly to increase investments in Early Childhood Education, the Child Care Assistance Program, Early Intervention, Healthy Families, and Parents Too Soon programs to expand access and improve workforce compensation.

Calls for the Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Human Services to direct new funding toward improving early childhood professional compensation to align with other professions requiring similar qualifications and education levels.

Recognizes that nearly half of lead early childhood educators hold a bachelor's degree or higher, with three-quarters holding an associate's degree or higher, yet earn wages in the second percentile of annual earnings.

Notes that low wages in early childhood education, particularly in community and home-based settings, have created significant staffing shortages and lack of workplace benefits for workers who often rely on public assistance.

Emphasizes that having diverse educators reflecting the identities and communities of children improves student perceptions and academic performance, with adequate compensation being foundational to maintaining a quality early childhood workforce.