|
Research and PublicationsThis page provides links to reports and publications produced by Illinois Action for Children. Many of them require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Report on Child Care in Cook County (2013)This report discusses the demand for and supply of child care in Cook County. It presents data on children and poverty; the number of child care providers and their capacity; average child care rates; and the type of care sought by parents using Illinois Action for Children's Resource and Referral service. Provider Issue Forums (2013) Full Report | Executive SummaryThis report summarizes the planning of the Provider Issue Forusm, the results and next steps. Choices in the Real World: The use of family, friend and neighbor child care by single Chicago mothers working nontraditional schedules (2013)In this Report, we sought out single, poor and near-poor mothers to tell us how they provide for their young children’s care while they are working nontraditional schedules: what arrangements they rely on – both formal and informal – and how the choices they make impact their and their children’s well-being. Investing Wisely During Fiscal Crisis: The Case for Fully Funding Child Care Policy Brief (2013)In this policy brief, we examine why investing in child care is an especially cost-effective and economy-boosting strategy during a budget crisis. Our economic future depends on families achieving economic success and economic stability, supporting local economies in the short run as well as providing the tools for building a healthy, highly educated, and skilled workforce in the longer run. Quality early child care (and early education) is the most efficient way to accomplish these goals. High Quality Infant and Toddler Care in Illinois (2012)Science has left no doubt that the quality of care an infant or toddler receives has a direct impact on the child’s future. An abundance of research shows that high quality child care is linked to long-term healthy child development, higher vocabulary scores, improved math and language abilities, and success in school. But what makes a child care setting high quality for infants and toddlers? This critical question is driving policy debates and solutions being offered in our state and across our nation. Getting There: Cook County Parents' Commute to Child Care and Work (2012)For working families, time matters. How far parents commute to work, including how far they must travel for child care, impacts the times families have together at home. This Illinois Action for Children study examines the locations of child care in relation to parents' workplaces, how these distances vary by community, and what factors may account for these variations. The Economic Impact of the Early Care and Education Industry in Illinois – Research Brief (2012)This brief on the economic impact of Early Care and Education looks at this industry through an economic lens —considering the industry’s contributions to the Illinois Economy. It also re-examines government savings and the workforce impact of Early Care and Education in Illinois. Cost savings analysis of school readiness in Illinois (2011)Illinois saves up to $530 million each year from its investments in preschool programs for children age three to five. This study commissioned jointly by Illinois Action for Children, the Ounce of Prevention Fund, and Voices for Illinois Children details this return on investment.
Illinois Action for Children’s 2009-2010 Annual ReportRead our latest annual report that celebrates and highlights 40 years of history and Action at Illinois Action for Children!
Child Care and Early Education in the Cook County Economy: A Report on the Economic Impact of Early Care and Education (2010)This economic report examines how child care and early education compare to other Cook County industries. Our research findings support the case for viewing child care and early education as positive investment opportunities for both public- and private-sector funders.
Community Connections Reports
Access to Preschool in Illinois (2008)This policy research brief examines Illinois preschool-age children's use of and access to early education. It discusses how families most in need of Preschool for All are among those least likely to receive it, drawing on data from the 2004 National Survey of Children's Health. See the report below for a more detailed analysis. Child Care and Early Education in Illinois: The Choices Parents Make (2008)A report on Illinois families' use of child care and early education for their children under age six, including how family characteristics such as number of adults, education level, income, and language relate to the choices families make. Data are from the Illinois sample of the 2004 National Survey of Children's Health. Executive summary also available here. Making Child Care Affordable for Illinois' Working Families (2008)This is the final report of the working group convened by the Illinois Department of Human Services and chaired by Illinois Action for Children and the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law and authorized by the Illinois General Assembly (PA95-206). Working Later in Illinois: Work Schedules, Incomes and Access to Child Care (2006)In 2004, 42 percent of working Illinois parents with children under 14 worked non-traditional schedules. What is the relationship between work schedules, income and child care for these families? We examine these family decisions for Illinoisans and report on work schedule data from the 2004 Current Population Survey. Condensed version also available here. Why Have Illinois Child Care Centers Closed? (2007; published in 2011)This study uncovers the reasons for many of 610 child care center closings in Illinois between 1999 and 2003. Where Children Receive Child Care: Trends in the Use of Child Care Assistance in Cook County (2005)The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program supports child care for about 110,000 Cook County children each month. Most children receive care at home and in settings exempt from licensing requirements. This report summarizes some changes since 2000 in the type of care received by children in three age groups. To access publications produced prior to 2005, visit the archive in the sidebar on the right. |
