SPRINGFIELD – To respond to the increasing demand for teachers and daycare providers across Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons’ initiative to strengthen workforce recruitment in Illinois was signed into law Friday.

“This is a step toward providing quality education and childcare for Illinois families to alleviate the burden many in our communities are facing,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “With this law, we will collect feedback from communities across Illinois about their specific needs and how we can address them, ensuring families and children are being taken care of by the best.”

Under the new law, House Bill 814, the existing State Comprehensive Day Care Plan survey of day care facilities will include feedback from groups and individuals with relevant expertise and lived experiences with the goal of promoting workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers.

“This is about listening to the needs of everyone, ensuring we understand the specific challenges and needs of our workforce and the communities they serve,” said Simmons. “As we work together, we can uplift struggling providers and find more efficient ways to address the employment shortages we currently face.”

House Bill 814 was signed into law on Friday.

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