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HB 5741

$DEC-EARLY CHOICES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock and 4 co-sponsors

Provides $500,000 to fund grants and administration for inclusive early childhood education for 3- to 5-year-olds with disabilities under Early CHOICES, July 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary · HB 5741

Overview

HB5741, introduced in the 104th Illinois General Assembly by Rep. Maura Hirschauer, would appropriate funds to support early childhood inclusion for children ages 3 to 5 with developmental delays or disabilities. The measure focuses on grants and administration under the Early CHOICES initiative, aligned with IDEA Part B, Section 619 discretionary funds.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create dedicated funding to assist the inclusion of young children with disabilities in school and community-based early childhood settings.
  • Support the Early CHOICES initiative, leveraging funds authorized under IDEA Part B, Section 619 to improve access to inclusive early education services.

Key Provisions

  • Amount: Appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund.
  • Source and Use: Funds designated for the Department of Early Childhood to provide grants and cover administration expenses related to inclusive practices for children aged 3 to 5 with developmental delays or disabilities.
  • Recipient and Program: The grant recipient is identified as the Early CHOICES initiative, supported by IDEA Part B, Section 619 discretionary funds.
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.

Who Is Affected

  • Children: Specifically targets 3- to 5-year-olds with developmental delays or disabilities who participate in or access early childhood settings.
  • Providers: School and community-based early childhood programs that serve young children with disabilities, which may benefit from inclusion-oriented grants and administrative support.
  • State Agencies: Department of Early Childhood, which would administer the grant program and related expenses.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Enactment Timing: Take effect on July 1, 2026, aligning with the 2026-2027 budget cycle.
  • Administrative Role: Department of Early Childhood is responsible for both granting and administrative activities associated with inclusion efforts.

Potential Impact

  • Access and Inclusion: Aims to enhance opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in inclusive early education environments.
  • Resource Allocation: Provides targeted funding to support programmatic inclusion activities and the administrative infrastructure needed to oversee them.
  • Alignment with Federal IDEA: Uses IDEA Part B, Section 619 discretionary funds, ensuring alignment with federal guidelines for early intervention and inclusion.

Note: The bill as introduced focuses narrowly on a $500,000 appropriation for the Early CHOICES initiative without broader policy changes or new program mandates beyond the specified grant and administration support.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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