We, the Village Tools
Use the tools below to help you understand and engage with early childhood advocacy and policy in Illinois.
FY27 Budget Advocacy Toolkit
Support the following Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) early childhood budget recommendations that invest in children, families, and the early childhood workforce.
FY27 Social Media Calendar
Join us for a series of weekly social media actions to show your support and share your stories with Governor Pritzker and legislators about the need to support early childhood budget asks for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27).
Illinois Department of Early Childhood Transparency and Equity Analysis: Progress, Gaps, & Recommendations
In 2024, the We, the Village (WTV) coalition submitted two sets of transparency and equity recommendations to the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) and its Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) to support the successful development of Illinois’ new early childhood education and care (ECEC) agency.
Know Your Legislators – Explore Curated Profiles
To help you advocate effectively, Illinois Action for Children has compiled profiles that detail the current early childhood landscape in your district—available for every state representative and senator and US senator and congressional representative.
Guidance for Illinois Early Childhood Providers and Families: Increased ICE Activity
We, the Village Coalition recognizes that the recent heightened presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Illinois leaves many community members afraid to move safely through their own neighborhoods. This guidance includes resources for providers, parents, and the early childhood community to navigate increased ICE activity.
Navigating
Immigration
Enforcement for Child
Care Providers in
Illinois
This toolkit is designed to help
child care providers understand
and navigate the requirements of HB1312 while continuing to create safe, supportive environments for the children and families they serve.
Monthly 2026 Zoom Meetings
-
We, the Village Coalition Meeting | May 7, 2026
Meeting Registration https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/r6j2bHvTSYupvUiKsOEH4A
-
We, the Village Coalition Meeting | June 4, 2026
Meeting Registration https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tDYJZiIDRWiTTqDYG7FUnA
2026 Social Media Calendar
-
Week of April 6 – FY27 Social Media Posts
Our youngest learners deserve access to quality early learning. We’re urging @HouseDemsIL @ILSenateGOP @ILHouseGOP @ILSenDems to support the FY27 CCAP budget ask from Illinois advocates. #IL4ChildCare (Click here for corresponding…
-
Week of April 20 – FY27 Social Media Posts
Early educators keep our child care system running, yet wages remain far too low. We need a $50M boost to Smart Start Workforce Grants so programs can raise pay. Please…
-
Week of May 4 – FY27 Social Media Posts
Illinois has the chance to lead the nation in child care access, equity, and quality. It starts with investing in early childhood and care programs. We’re counting on you, @HouseDemsIL…
-
Week of May 11 – FY27 Social Media Posts
Families rely on child care to work and thrive. The FY27 early childhood budget ask strengthens CCAP, EI, HV, SSWG, ECACE, and ECBG. We’re calling on @HouseDemsIL @ILSenateGOP @ILHouseGOP @ILSenDems…
-
Week of May 18 – FY27 Social Media Posts
Take action and invest in children, families, and early educators: Fund CCAP, EI, HV, SSWG, ECACE, and ECBG in FY27. We urge @HouseDemsIL @ILSenateGOP @ILHouseGOP @ILSenDems to invest in early…
-
May 25 – FY27 Social Media Posts
Every child in Illinois deserves a strong start, not a waitlist. Funding EI, CCAP, HV, SSWG, ECACE & ECBG in FY27 is how we get there. We’re counting on you,…