The Illinois Department of Early Childhood officially launched its operations at the start of July. Its responsibilities range from handling the Child Care Assistance Program for families to licensing childcare facilities.

Governor JB Pritzker called for the creation of the new agency three years ago. At the time, three different departments handled what’s now the work of one agency.

The new department’s secretary, Teresa Ramos has served in leadership roles at education nonprofits Illinois Action for Children and Advance Illinois. Before becoming Secretary for the Department of Early Childhood, she was first assistant deputy governor for education under Pritzker. Ramos discusses the role of the new department and how it’s navigating ongoing shortages in staffing and availability for childcare across the state.

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Teresa Ramos
Secretary, Illinois Department of Early Childhood