Early Learning Project
Children’s experiences in the first three years of life influence how they develop, learn, and interact with their world. This period is marked by an extraordinary amount of growth and sets the foundation for children’s future learning and ongoing development.
The Illinois Early Learning Guidelines (PDF) are designed to provide early childhood professionals and policy makers a framework for understanding development through information on what children know and should do and what development looks like in everyday instances. These guidelines also provide suggestions and ideas on how to create early experiences that benefit all children’s learning and development. The main goal of the guidelines is to offer early childhood professionals a cohesive analysis of children’s development with common expectations and common language.
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign