1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Room: Caucus
Why Community? Why Systems? Why Development? How Can CSD Strengthen Our Early Care and Education System?
Julia Zhu , Community Systems Policy Director, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development.
What is the role of community collaborations in strengthening our early care and education system? Attendees will learn the state’s vision for a strong system, explore why a systems approach is essential for success, and learn alongside their peers. Session will be participatory and interactive.
Room: Assembly
Accessing Higher Education: Pathways & Models
Dan Harris, Executive Director, Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
Cathy Main, Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator, College of Education, University of Illinois-Chicago
How can Illinois build a pipeline of qualified early childhood teachers and practitioners? This workshop will discuss strategies to minimize obstacles for new and existing professionals to enter the early childhood system and move up the career ladder. Learn about the efforts to create alternative pathways and models to support access to credential and degree programs.
Room: Session
From Flat to Fair: Campaign for a Fair Tax for Illinois
Alex Tindal Weisendanger, Responsible Budget Coalition
Dan Lesser, Director of Illinois Policy & Economic Justice, Sargent Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Illinois’ flat, regressive income tax structure is unfair and unsustainable. In this session, leaders from the Responsible Budget Coalition will provide an overview of the Fair Tax Campaign and how a progressive income tax structure would benefit the state. Learn how to engage in Fair Tax Campaign efforts to advocate for long-term, sustainable revenue sources
Room: Gallery
illinois early childhood policy & budget updates
Maria Estlund, Policy Associate, Illinois Action for Children
Join us for timely updates on recent and proposed state policy changes impacting the early childhood field – including status updates on the implementation of policies, such as the new laws on early childhood expulsion and testing for lead in water. Participants will also learn about opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts related to early childhood policy issues.