SPRINGFIELD – By a broad majority, the House this week sent a bill to study the state of the early childhood education and child care workforce to the Senate, as low wages continue to plague the industry.
Sponsored in the House by Rep. Julianna Stratton and in the Senate by Jacqueline Collins, the study authorized by House Bill 3167 would make recommendations on compensation and provider rates, including in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
While CCAP has been devastated by administrative cuts under the Bruce Rauner administration, low pay continues to play a negative role, with licensed family care providers earning only $5.05 per hour. Meanwhile, early childhood center workers make an average of between $9.98 and $12.36 per hour.
The bill passed to the Senate by a margin of 63-47.

ILL Lobby Day 3-21-2013