How To Talk To Kids About Race And Racism, And The Risks Of Staying Silent

With police brutality in the news, parents may be wondering how to talk to their children about racism and White supremacy. These conversations are familiar to Black families, but University of Illinois Professors Shardé Smith and Helen Neville say all families should be having them. Illinois Newsroom education reporter Lee Gaines recently spoke with Smith, […]
Report: Illinois Improves Access, Quality Of Preschool Programs, COVID-19 Could Threaten Progress

Illinois has increased enrollment and improved access to preschool programs for children across the state, according to a recent report from the National Institute for Early Education Research. The group releases an annual report detailing where states rank on quality measures for things like curriculum and class sizes. This year, Illinois ranked third in the country […]
Governor Forms Group To Examine Early Childhood Schools

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has formed a new commission to study the state’s early childhood education system in an effort to make Illinois “the best state in the nation” for raising young children. The 29-member panel is comprised of state legislators, the state superintendent of education, advocates, providers and school officials. Pritzker recently announced the […]