In recent years, a boom in immigration and high birth rates among the foreign-born population has led to significant growth in the number of children in the United States who speak a language other than English at home. This demographic change presents a challenge to the public school system, where English proficiency is central to a child's…

This paper presents a profile of Illinois' Quality Counts prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for Family…

This is Illinois' first Report Card on Racial Equity, assessing the extent to which the General Assembly and Governor support policies that advance racial equity in order to close disparities, protect against discrimination, and promote civic participation for all residents of Illinois. Among the report highlights: (1) The House and Senate…

In April, 2003, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich presented the fiscal year 2004 proposed budget in the midst of a severe state fiscal crisis. Despite the deficit, the proposal maintains or expands investments in many important programs for children and families, and includes a variety of cuts to programs and administrative costs with unclear…

The January, 1975 issue of Illinois Libraries is devoted to the theory of administration of children's libraries and its application to library practice. Articles in this issue cover research and experimentation, future trends, fund raising, book selection, and library programing. Suggestions for a basic reference collection for children conclude…

This Kids Count report examines statewide trends in the well-being of Illinois' children, focusing on the impact of federal and state welfare reform. The statistical portrait is based on 14 indicators of well-being: (1) families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; (2) child support enforcement; (3) children enrolled in Head Start or…

This Kids Count report examines statewide trends in the well-being of Illinois' children, focusing on the impact of communities on children. The statistical portrait is based on 14 indicators of well-being: (1) uninsured children; (2) infant mortality; (3) low birth weight; (4) violent death and injury; (5) early childhood education; (6) high…

This Kids Count report examines statewide trends in the well-being of Illinois' children. The statistical portrait is based on indicators in the areas of family, education and child care, arts and recreation, safety, health, and economic security. The indicators are: (1) percent of children living in poverty; (2) number of children enrolled in…

This Kids Count data book examines statewide trends in the well-being of Illinois' children. The statistical portrait is based on 24 indicators in the areas of family, health, safety, education, and economic security. The indicators are: (1) living arrangements for children; (2) teen births; (3) children in foster/substitute care; (4) foster…