Advocacy Partners
Illinois AEYC works in partnership with a number of early childhood organizations to help move forward a progressive public policy agenda for Illinois that makes children and families a priority in its policies and it funding. The benefit of working together cannot be overlooked.
Illinois AEYC thanks each of the agencies listed below for the willingness to share information and resources, support the work of Illinois AEYC and most of all, for all they do on an ongoing basis for the children and families in Illinois.
INCCRRA and the 16 Local CCR&R Agencies
The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization which — in partnership with its 16 member Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies — is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high quality, affordable early care and education options available for children and families in Illinois. http://www.inccrra.org
Action for Children
Illinois Action for Children has championed the cause of quality child care and early education for families and children throughout Illinois for 37 years. Action for Children provides access to resources, community, advocacy – and represents an alliance of individuals and groups dedicated to empowering and supporting parents, child care providers and family service programs. Its mission is to create a common voice and vision for advancing high quality and accessible programs that foster the development, health and well-being of all Illinois children. www.actforchildren.org
Start Early
Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is a champion for early learning and care from a child’s very first moments, so every child has the opportunity to thrive in school and life. https://startearly.org
Voices for Illinois Children
Voices for Illinois Children works across all issue areas to improve the lives of children of all ages throughout our state so they grow up healthy, happy, safe, loved and well educated. www.voices4kids.org
Illinois AEYC also participates in an early childhood coalition advocacy group. Members include:
- Illinois AEYC
- Start Early
- Illinois Action for Children
- ReadyNation Illinois
- Latino Policy Forum
- Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois
- Voices for Illinois Children
- Curated COVID-19 Resources for NAEYC’s Affiliate Network
- Advocacy 101 Webinar
- Advocacy for Everyone
- Action Alerts
- Advocacy Partners
- Government Websites
- Finding districts and elected officials
- Public Policy Agenda
- Am I Next? Sacrificing to Stay Open, Child Care Providers Face a Bleak Future Without Relief
- NAEYC Ongoing Effect of Pandemic-State by State
- NAEYC’s Resource Page for Educators on Coping with COVID-19
- Illinois AEYC COVID-19 Survey Report
- State Data: Child Care Providers are Sacrificing to Stay Open and Waiting for Relief
- From the Front Lines The Ongoing Effect of the Pandemic on Child Care
- Governor’s Early Childhood Funding Commission