On Tuesday, June 25th, Illinois lawmakers signed into law Senate Bill 1; this bill creates a new ‘Department of Early Childhood’ which will become the lead agency in providing early childhood education and care programs, as well as care services in the state of Illinois. The newly founded ‘Department of Early Childhood’ was established to oversee state-funded early childhood programs that already reside within the State Board of Education, Department of Human Services, and the Department of Children and Family Services.

State Senator Doris Turner supported the new law to create the ‘Department of Early Childhood’ and played a pivotal role in the passing of Senate Bill 1. Turner says “the new agency will streamline the process for parents and providers, making it easier to navigate the resources our state has to offer.”

Starting in July of 2026, the new ‘Department of Early Childhood’ will begin the takeover of programs within three state agencies, including: the Early Childhood Block Grant program from the State Board of Education which funds the Preschool for All program and more. The Child Care Assistance program and Early Intervention Services currently under the Department of Human Services. And, the licensing of daycare facilities, managed at this time by DCFS, which will also move to Illinois’ newest state agency in July 2026.