IL SR1051

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

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

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

Recognizes that low wages in early childhood education have created significant staff shortages and lack of benefits, forcing many workers to rely on public assistance despite their education and expertise.

Emphasizes that adequate compensation is foundational to maintaining a quality early childhood workforce and enabling service expansion.