SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford passed a measure expanding the Whole Child Task Force, improving trauma-responsive practices in Illinois schools.

“Since the pandemic, the number of students who have experienced childhood trauma has increased drastically,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Our school administrators and teachers need preparation and support to better address student trauma.”

The Whole Child Task Force establishes an equitable, safe, inclusive and supportive environment in all schools for students dealing with trauma and mental health issues. The task force collects data on adverse childhood experiences and trauma, as well as the total number of school counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists in Illinois schools.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford successfully passed a measure to require the option for full-day kindergarten across the state.

“It is important that we create equal access to education on every level,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This measure will ensure all families in Illinois are provided with the same opportunities for their children early on.”

Parents who live in districts without the option of full-day kindergarten are often faced with additional barriers to preparing their children for early elementary school. These barriers include, but are not limited to, mid-day transportation, loss of income due to being home with the child or finding additional childcare, and ensuring developmentally appropriate activities are being provided throughout the day.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is leading a measure to require all schools in the state to provide an option of full-day kindergarten.

“Kindergarten is pivotal for children’s learning journey,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Full-day kindergarten classes across the state will ensure equal access to early learning opportunities for all our families.”

Currently, it is optional for school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. Parents who live in districts without the option of full-day kindergarten are often faced with additional barriers to preparing their children for early elementary school. These barriers include, but are not limited to, mid-day transportation, loss of income due to being home with the child or finding additional childcare, and ensuring developmentally appropriate activities are being provided throughout the day.

Lightford’s measure would provide full-day kindergarten options across all school districts. Full-day kindergarten would be developmentally appropriate and provide opportunities for play-based learning.

SPRINGFIELD – As school districts around the state continue struggling to fill teaching positions, Senate Democrats hosted a press conference in Springfield on Thursday announcing a number of legislative measures that would help address the void.

“Teachers have a significant, lifelong impact on their students. The impact involves not just teaching particular academic skills, but fostering life skills, creativity and productivity that leads to positive outcomes for years to come,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “Attracting quality educators to our state is vital to our education system and providing our children with the best possible education.”

According to the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, there are more than 5,300 unfilled positions in schools. In an attempt to address the vacancies and increase the substitute teacher pool, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel introduced a plan – House Bill 3442 – which would allow a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school distinct files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education.

“As a former special education teacher, I saw firsthand the impact the teacher shortage had on our students, teachers and staff,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to continue uplifting the education profession and encouraging more people to join it.”