SPRINGFIELD – All educators, including substitute teachers, will be more prepared for emergencies starting Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel requiring training in evacuation and lockdown procedures prior to being in the classroom.

“Substitute teachers only work certain days in a school so they are less likely to know what the protocols are when lock down or evacuation drills occur,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Full-time teachers receive training on all emergency protocols, and substitute teachers should receive the same.”

The Loughran Cappel law requires school districts in Illinois to provide training to all substitute teachers on school evacuation drills and law enforcement lockdown drills. Additionally, all substitutes will be given the same information as full-time employees outlining all lockdown and evacuation procedures, and maps will be required to be displayed in every classroom showing all school exit points.

“When we drop our kids off at school, we expect them to return at the end of the day,” said Loughran Cappel. “With this new law, you can have peace of mind knowing the person teaching your child will know exactly what to do in a crisis situation.”

House Bill 1787 takes effect Jan. 1.