Invest in Your Future with an Early Childhood Endorsement

Published: February 25, 2024

Author: Laura Schaub, Early Childhood Professor and Program Coordinator

Healthy development in early childhood helps prepare children for the educational experiences of kindergarten and beyond. A strong foundation of quality care and learning is imperative, as research has proven that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs by age 5.

Invest In Your Future:
Because of the importance of quality early childhood development, Legislators
recognize the need for increased early childhood care and education.

Therefore, the need for care and education is predicted to rise by 20,000 available
seats for children in the state of Illinois in the forthcoming years. Because there is such a great need for quality early childhood teachers in Illinois, Greenville University is partnering with the state of Illinois to offer scholarships through the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE).

Looking Ahead:
Additionally, Gov. Pritzker signed a fiscal year 2024 budget that includes increased funding for Smart Start Illinois funding, a program aimed at eliminating preschool deserts, ensuring a stable childcare workforce, and expanding early intervention and home visiting programs.