Illinois is preparing to dedicate an entire state agency to matters affecting children in their earliest years. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced in October his intent to move disparate services under the umbrella of a new state agency: the Department of Early Childhood.

Chicago Public Schools says the move is not due to spending cuts, but because it is transitioning to a new "universal preschool model."

Parents, early childhood educators, community groups, and aldermen are calling for the city to offer universal early care and education for all Chicago children under the age of 5.