Loughran Cappel fights to reduce delays in childcare employment process

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday that addresses background check delays at childcare facilities across the state.

“I continue to hear about delays with the state’s licensing process,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As we face a shortage of qualified early education teachers, we have to take the necessary steps to speed up the process.”

House Bill 4412 would allow a childcare facility, non-licensed service provider, day care center, or home-based day cares to use a third-party vendor licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for the required fingerprinting that is part of the application process for facility licensure and as a condition of employment.

Loughran Cappel’s initiative aims to reduce delays to prevent qualified applicants from losing interest and seeking employment elsewhere. Currently the background check process takes between six and 12 weeks to receive results.

Read more …

Loughran Cappel measure prioritizing all special education students heads to the House

• Education

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is working on a measure that would bring equity to funding for special education students by creating a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“I spent 15 years in the classroom as a special education teacher,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to ensure our students can receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment. This initiative would achieve equitable funding for all special needs students, no matter their placement.” 

Senate Bill 3606 would equalize the reimbursement rate received by public school districts from the Illinois State Board of Education when sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.

Under Loughran Cappel’s measure, public schools would be eligible to receive a reimbursement, regardless of where the student is sent, from ISBE for tuition costs for high-needs special education students that exceed the average cost for students not receiving special education services.

Read more …

Career and Technical Education teachers prioritized under Loughran Cappel measure

• Teacher Shortage

SPRINGFIELD – To address the shortage of Career and Technical Education teachers, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure through the Senate that would allow them to be granted tenure.

“The need for CTE teachers continues to grow as more students enroll in these programs across the state,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to acknowledge the crucial work they do to educate students with hands-on learning experiences.”

Senate Bill 463 would allow CTE teachers to be granted tenure if they have a license with credentials. Under current law, teachers are required to have a Professional Educator License to be granted tenure. Loughran Cappel’s measure aims to expand the requirements to include CTE teachers.

Read more …

Loughran Cappel to hold office hours in Shorewood

• Traveling Office Hours

SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will host traveling office hours at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library on Monday, April 15 to give residents a chance to receive direct assistance and have their voice heard.

“Traveling office hours are always a wonderful way to connect with residents in their own communities and to engage with the concerns of the people I serve,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It is my top priority to increase our office’s accessibility to residents by bringing our services directly to you.”

The event will be held on Monday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library, located at 650 Deerwood Dr. in Shorewood.

The free event is an opportunity for residents to get help from Loughran Cappel’s office, such as assistance with state resources. Coffee will be provided for attendees.

People can contact Loughran Cappel’s office with questions or concerns by calling 815-267-6119 or visiting her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.