ECE Providers, Advocates, and Community College Allies Urge Action on Bill to Grant Racial Equity In Access to Baccalaureate Degrees

ECE Providers, Advocates, and Community College Allies Urge Action on Bill
to grant racial equity in access to baccalaureate degrees

Chicago, IL – Early care and education (ECE) childhood providers, advocates, and community college allies urge action on a bill that addresses the teacher shortage and supports racial diversity in the early childhood workforce by allowing early childhood educators to get their baccalaureate degrees locally.

A recent survey, conducted by Illinois Action for Children, of 455 early childhood educators found the community college ECE baccalaureate concept as one of the most impactful strategies to help them achieve their degrees (tied with free tuition and lower fees).

The Senate Higher Education committee heard amendments to Senate Bill 1832, which would grant early childhood educators—the incumbent early childhood workforce—the ability to earn their baccalaureate degree at their local community college.

There are 25 legislative co-sponsors of the bill. The bill will be heard again in Higher Education Committee on Tuesday May 11^th.

As advocates, we hope there is action on such an important bill for racial, income, and geographic equity for early childhood workers—true heroes of the pandemic. We urge Senate to act immediately on this issue.

Illinois Action for Children

Erikson Institute

Latino Policy Forum

Fight Crime: Invest In Kids Illinoi

ReadyNation Illinois

Start Early

Advance Illinois

Teach Plus Illinois

Women Employed

Illinois Community College Trustees Association

City College of Chicago

Shawnee Community College

Danville Area Community College

Dawn S. Munson, Elgin Community College

Harper College

Sauk Valley Community College

SAL Family & Community Support Services

Lewis & Clark Community College

Kankakee Community College

Illinois Valley Community College

Illinois Central College

Joliet Junior College

Moraine Valley Community College

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