CHICAGO — The State of Illinois is investing $200 million in the childcare workforce over a two-year span; this will be to help fund training and scholarships.
According to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made the announcement Wednesday, July 28, nearly $120 million in federal funding will go towards financial support, such as scholarships, to help child care workers advance their credentials. Another $30 million will provide mentors with the tools needed to help child care workers pursue their degrees.
"We are providing educational opportunity for 5,600 people to earn degrees that will advance their careers. And we are advancing our pandemic economic recovery," the governor said in a statement.
The governor also signed legislation establishing a statewide early childhood consortium that will oversee the initiative and direct the funding. The Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board will help create it.
"Early childhood teachers told us they want opportunities to grow and learn but they want to do it while still teaching, caring for their families, and supporting their communities," said Illinois Board of Higher Education Executive Director Ginger Ostro. "Through this collaboration of community colleges and public universities we will make that possible."
To ensure its success, the new law also includes a 30-member advisory committee for the consortium that will submit reports to the General Assembly and the Governor’s office on an annual basis.
