IL SB2053

Creates the Early Childhood Workforce Standards Board to determine hourly wage floors and compensation increments for State-funded early childhood program workers, with board members appointed within 60 days of enactment.

Establishes a minimum wage floor of $25 per hour for early childhood workers in State Fiscal Year 2027 and thereafter, with the board determining specific floors starting in SFY 2025.

Requires child care centers receiving State grants or purchase of service contracts to comply with wage floors, report quarterly staff contact information, submit wage scales and grievance procedures, and provide detailed financial reports including workforce compensation spending.

Authorizes the Department of Human Services to administer grants to early childhood worker training programs beginning in SFY 2025 that emphasize experience, inclusion, equity, racial justice, mentorship, apprenticeships, and peer-led learning.

Prohibits expulsions in State-funded early childhood programs, requiring documented intervention attempts and planned transitions to alternative settings when appropriate, with annual reporting on transitions and temporary removals by child demographics.