Illinois House Bill HB2310

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/23/23
• Report Pass: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/27/23

Caption

EARLY CHILDHOOD WORKFORCE

Impact

The bill proposes significant changes to the funding and reporting requirements for child care centers. It mandates that centers report their wage scales, update staff contact information regularly, and submit comprehensive financial reports. These stringent requirements are designed to ensure transparency and accountability, ultimately enhancing the quality of early childhood programs across Illinois. It also aims to promote retention of skilled workers by valuing their experience and providing necessary training and mentorship through grants.

Summary

House Bill 2310, introduced by Rep. Will Guzzardi, amends the Early Childhood Workforce Act by establishing the Early Childhood Workforce Standards Board. This board will be responsible for setting a wage floor for workers in state-funded early childhood programs starting from State Fiscal Year 2025, along with additional increments to retain workers based on experience and job title. The bill aims to address workforce shortages in early childhood education by making positions more attractive through competitive wages.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implementation of these wage standards and the extent to which the state can influence compensation in the private sector. Concerns about funding availability for such initiatives and the potential administrative burden on child care centers have been highlighted. Additionally, while the bill aims to enhance workforce conditions through equity and inclusion measures, critics may argue about the feasibility of these mandates and their long-term effects on service delivery.