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The Illinois Early Learning Project is a source of evidence-based, reliable information on early care and education for families, caregivers, and teachers of young children in Illinois.


What’s New on IEL?

parents, young child and a baby sitting on a couch

Additions to the Family: Help Young Children Prepare

Families add new members in several ways: the birth of a baby, adoption, fostering, or welcoming relatives who need a place to stay. Such situations will affect children already in the family, and they may need support to adjust.
teacher sitting at child's table in school setting, surrounded by children

Food Allergies and Young Children

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ruchi Gupta and Sarah Valaika from the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) about caring for children with food allergies in the early childhood classroom.
preschool girl with paintbrush at table outdoors painting.

Creating Reggio Emilia-Inspired Classrooms

This Q&A gives educators answers to questions about building optimal Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood classrooms.
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Here a Chick, There a Chick! 

The Here a Chick, There a Chick! project took place in an inclusive preschool classroom in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Child swimming

Swimming

This resource list provides information on swimming lessons and swim safety for young children.
preschool teacher and two children in classroom library playing with pretend food at large wooden table with tree mural on wall in the background

Developing Strong Teacher-Child Relationships

This Q&A gives educators answers to questions about teacher-child relationship building in the early childhood classroom.