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Starting July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially become the lead agency for Child Care Licensing, Head Start, Home Visiting, Early Intervention and the Child Care Assistance Program, Early Childhood Block Grant, and a range of other early childhood support to families, providers and educators.

Should you have any questions related to this transition please reference our Transition FAQ’s (PDF). Should you need further support visit our Contact page where you can submit your questions. We are excited to continue this journey with you!

Welcome to the New Illinois Department of Early Childhood

Governor Pritzker announces Dr. Teresa Ramos as the inaugural Secretary for Illinois Department of Early Childhood

Read the official press release.
Press Release - Gov. Pritzker Signs SB1
ILGA Public Act 103-0594
IDEC Calendar of Events
Engagement Opportunities & Listening Sessions
Resources, Materials, & Reports
FAQs
View all events/meetings

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Mission statement

Illinois strives to be the best state in the nation to raise a family. To do this, we must make early childhood education and care services simpler, better, and fairer for families with young children. 

The majority of early childhood services for babies, toddlers and young children are split among three state agencies - the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). 

A new state agency, the Department of Early Childhood will unite the majority of early childhood services into one place, making it easier for families to access critical services for stronger coordination between the various early childhood programs and services provided by the state.

Reducing complexity will advance equity for families with young children through:

  • better coordinated programs,
  • more equitable allocated resources,
  • less bureaucracy for providers to navigate, and
  • greater access to services for families with young children.