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Advocacy & Policy
Advocacy Events & Webinars
We believe in the power of advocacy to drive meaningful change for children and families. Our advocacy events and webinars are designed to inform, inspire, and mobilize individuals passionate about early childhood education and development. Join us to learn, collaborate, and take action.
See the Highlights from Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026!
On May 13, advocates from across the state came together in Springfield to lift up the needs of young children, families, and the early childhood workforce. Providers, parents, and community leaders raised their voices, urging lawmakers to make meaningful investments. Explore the highlights and see the impact of this powerful day of advocacy.
Past Webinars
Beyond HB1312: Navigating Immigration Enforcement for Child Care Providers in Illinois
In this webinar for early childhood providers, we’ll discuss navigating immigration enforcement in child care settings, continuing the conversation on HB1312. The session will focus on applying HB1312 to real-world situations and establishing clear staff response protocols. Participants will also learn strategies to support children, families, and staff during immigration enforcement activity.
Understanding HB1312 Safe Licensed Child Care Legislation Webinar
Learn about the new legal requirements related to immigration enforcement actions. In this webinar, we’ll give an overview of HB1312, discuss the new requirements and what they mean for licensed centers, provide guidance on compliance and implementation, and answer provider questions.
Nontraditional Hours Child Care Webinar
Learn more about the unique providers who offer nontraditional-hour child care and how they compare to providers who offer only standard-hour care. In this webinar, we’ll discuss providers’ schedules of care, demographics, staffing, and number of children they serve.
Webinar 4
Engaging Parents in Local Collaborations
Join us for a powerful 4-part webinar series that brings to life the many ways we engage and empower families across Illinois. Led by the IAFC’s teams doing the work, each session highlights a unique approach to family engagement—from early learning and advocacy to systems change and community partnerships.
On Demand Video | English Slides
On Demand Video – Spanish | Spanish Slides
Access slides and recordings for the full webinar series.
End-of-Session Legislative Recap
Insights: Gain valuable knowledge on key policy developments and other substantive bills affecting early childhood.
Impact: Learn more about the many ways we engage and empower families across Illinois.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our policy experts on key updates to legislation and how they could impact you.
June 18, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Virtual Town Hall
One Year In: Reflections and the Road Ahead
July 1 marks one year since the launch of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC)! To mark the occasion, the We the Village Coalition will host a virtual town hall on Tuesday, July 15 from 12-1:30 p.m. featuring IDEC Secretary Dr. Teresa Ramos, Chief Transition Design Officer Ann Whalen and four early childhood panelists from across Illinois.
July 15, 2025 – 12–1:30 p.m.
Research: Child Care for Children with Disabilities
We present new research on the experiences of parents and child care providers in meeting the child care needs of children with disabilities and developmental delays.
Featured Webinar
2024 Legislative Session Recap
A comprehensive review of the 2024 legislative session and its impacts on children, families, and providers. Check out the webinar to gain valuable knowledge on key policy changes and learn about how these changes impact the early childhood landscape in Illinois.
Missed an event or want to revisit a session?
Our advocacy events and webinars page is your go-to resource.
Here, you can watch recorded webinars, download presentation materials, and access valuable resources from our previous events. Stay informed and empowered by catching up on what you missed.
