SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the administration of early childhood education programs and services, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a new law creating the Illinois Department of Early Childhood.

“Illinois has been a champion in education, ensuring every child is set up to be a lifelong learner at an early age,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a former educator, I’m confident this is a necessary step for kids across the state to be given more opportunities to succeed with the support, resources and stability they need and deserve.”

Senate Bill 1 creates the Department of Early Childhood to be the lead agency for administering and providing early childhood education and care programs and services to children and families in Illinois. The new agency will be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

The Loughran Cappel-backed law will combine streamlined oversight to state-funded early childhood programs within the State Board of Education, Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Family Services.

“Parents will no longer have to jump hurdles to get their children in the classroom,” said Loughran Cappel. “The new agency will streamline the process for families, providers and our students. We made a commitment to prioritizing early education, and we are seeing that through.”

Senate Bill 1 was signed into law Tuesday.