SPRINGFIELD – All Illinois children will now have equal access to full-day kindergarten thanks to a new law championed by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

“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.”

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.

Currently, it is optional for school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. Lightford’s law provides full-day kindergarten options with developmentally appropriate play-based learning opportunities for families throughout the state.

SPRINGFIELD – Taking a significant step toward ensuring all students have access to high-quality reading education, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford’s measure implementing a statewide literacy plan is now law.

“By developing a comprehensive and equitable literacy plan, Illinois is making it clear that we are committed to closing the achievement gap,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Reading and writing is essential, and every child — regardless of their background, ZIP code or circumstances — deserves to have the tools they need to succeed.”

Lightford’s measure requires the Illinois State Board of Education to create and implement a comprehensive literacy plan by Jan. 31, 2024. The plan calls for increasing research-aligned, developmentally appropriate reading instruction in schools, as well as expanded training opportunities for teachers and a curriculum rubric to help guide school districts.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford championed legislation in 2021 to ensure that the people of Illinois understood that Black history is American history. This year she is building upon that monumental measure by encouraging people to celebrate Juneteenth and reminding them of the reason for the holiday.

“Juneteenth being a state holiday reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This day gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate Black culture, Black achievements, and learn more about Black history.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) declared the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget a positive investment for our state’s children – prioritizing education, youth employment and mental health.

“A person’s educational success begins the day they are born. The quickest way to fail a generation is by failing to prioritize their education,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In Illinois, I am proud to say we took a positive step toward ensuring our students aren’t failed by an unjust system.”

The budget – backed by Lightford – includes a $250 million investment into early childhood education. The funding will be used to expand preschool, stabilize the child care workforce, and provide more early intervention and home visiting programs.