ISU receives Early Childhood Preparation grant

Posted on April 7, 2023

*ISU was awarded $800,753 in grant funding to help implement these programs. (Facebook/Illinois State University*

NORMAL – Illinois State University was one of four universities to receive Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grants from the Illinois Board of Higher Education on Thursday.

According to a press release, $3.37 million in grant funding will be going to public and private universities across Illinois to implement programs of study for a diverse population of working adults interested in becoming early childhood faculty.

“Nearly two months ago, I announced Smart Start Illinois—my administration’s plan to eliminate childcare deserts and make our state the best place in the nation for early childhood education. But adding preschool seats only works if you have the staff to support them,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grants will help expand our pool of providers—all while providing new opportunities for a diverse set of prospective early childhood educators. This is how we create a quality, equitable early childhood education system that works for everyone—no matter their background or zip code.”

The grants will support scholarships for 78 students to earn their master’s degrees. Those who enroll in the program are expected to graduate in the summer of 2024.

ISU was awarded $800,753 in grant funding to help implement these programs. University of Illinois Chicago, Lewis University and National Louis University also received funding.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…