Policy in Practice: The Launch of IDEC, Voices from the Field

Policy in Practice: The Launch of IDEC, Voices from the Field is an in-person panel discussion for the general public on what the Illinois Department of Early Childhood’s launch means in practice.

On July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) began full operations, bringing together early childhood programs previously split across the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Department of Children and Family Services.

This significant change to Illinois’ human services landscape affects not only state government, but also employers, schools, health providers, and community institutions that engage with young children. Practitioners from across the early childhood ecosystem will discuss what the transition means on the ground in IDEC’s first year. The panel is designed to include perspectives that are often less visible in policy conversations, reflecting the range of institutions navigating the transition alongside families. The discussion includes audience Q&A.

A virtual Zoom link will be made available ahead of the event.

• Date: November 11
• Time: 8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
• Location: Chicago Board of Trade
• Format: In-person panel discussion with audience Q&A; open to the public

• 8:30 a.m.: Light breakfast
• 8:45 a.m.: Program begins
• 9:45 a.m.: Program concludes; optional networking
• 10:00 a.m.: End of event

Moderator: Angela Farwig, Illinois Action for Children, Vice President of Public Policy, Advocacy and Research

Panelist: Sean Noble, Civic Leaders of Illinois Children, Co-Director

Panelist: Katie Cox, School District U-46 Department of Teaching and Learning, Director of Early Learner Initiatives

Panelist: Allison Lowe-Fotos, Start Early, Senior Policy Manager - Illinois Policy Team

Panelist: Delphine Rankin, One Family Illinois, Chief Executive Officer