"Investing Early": Kane County Unites to Tackle Major Overhaul in Early Childhood Care
Community forum in Aurora addresses state policy changes, funding shifts, and direct resources for local families
AURORA, Ill. – Kane County Regional Superintendent of Schools John K. Jonak joined families, child care providers, advocates, and community leaders at the Kane County Early Childhood Community Action Forum, held August 7 at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora.
The forum addressed major federal and state policy shifts—including the rollout of the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC)—and what changing funding models mean for local families and care providers. The event featured remarks from Aurora Mayor John Laesch and presentations from Kane County All Our Kids, SPARK Aurora, Raising Illinois, Latino Policy Forum, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, and Brightpoint on direct resources available to families across the county.
“What happens in a child’s first five years shapes how ready they are the moment they walk through our K–12 classroom doors,” said Superintendent Jonak. “With major policy and funding changes underway, our goal is to make sure Kane County families and providers aren’t navigating them alone. Investing early is one of the most effective ways to strengthen our schools, support working parents, and set our youngest learners up for long-term success.”
The Community Guide to State and Federal Changes, published by We, the Village, explains recent decisions affecting child care, preschool, health coverage, nutrition assistance, Head Start, Early Intervention, Home Visiting, and the early childhood workforce.
The forum was hosted by We, the Village in partnership with the Kane County Health Department, Kane County All Our Kids, SPARK Aurora, Fox Valley United Way, Brightpoint, Illinois Action for Children, Latino Policy Forum, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Raising Illinois, Start Early, and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
