SPRINGFIELD – A 2024 law created the Illinois Department of Early Childhood to streamline services and improve coordination across different programs for children and their families. Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Omar Aquino, the department will create the Early Child Integrated Data System to further strengthen collaboration across the early childhood landscape come Jan. 1.

“Our children deserve the best possible opportunities to grow and learn,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This new data system will allow the department to ensure families aren’t slipping through the cracks and allow us to focus our investments based on accurate, actionable data.”

Under the new law, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will establish the Early Childhood Integrated Data System and develop a portal for public access to key data. The purpose of the data system is to ensure the department makes equity-driven, inclusive and data-informed decisions to improve and unify the state’s early childhood system.

“By integrating this data, we’ll finally have a clear picture of which children are being reached and which ones we’re missing,” Aquino said. “This will help us understand whether services are available where they’re needed, ensure families can access high-quality early learning and care, and track whether early childhood services are truly leading to better outcomes for our kids.”

Senate Bill 406 took effect Jan.1, 2026.

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