Introducing Illinois Early Childhood by the Numbers Series
Published:
July 28, 2026
As the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) launches, we have an opportunity to reflect on what the data can tell us about early childhood programs in Illinois. Questions about program capacity, where services are available, and how the system is changing over time are central to planning and decision-making across the state.
To support these questions, IECAM is launching a new blog series: Illinois Early Childhood by the Numbers.
Why this series matters
Illinois has made significant investments in early childhood programs, but understanding how those programs fit together across the state can be complex. Data are collected across multiple agencies, programs, and timeframes, making it challenging to see a complete picture.
The IECAM Data Hub brings these data together in one place. This series is intended to help readers make sense of the information by highlighting key indicators, providing context, and demonstrating how IECAM tools can be used to explore the data.
Across this series, readers can expect:
- A focus on recent data
- Clear explanations of what the data show — and what they don’t show
- Guidance on how to use the IECAM Data Hub
- Questions to support further exploration and discussion
Topics covered by this series
- A First Look at Early Childhood Program Capacity
- Understanding Early Childhood Program Capacity Across Communities
Author
Shannon Guiltinan, senior research director, NORC at the University of Chicago
Emily Wiegand, senior research methodologist, NORC at the University of Chicago
For more