Manley’s Off-Hours Child Care Act Signed Into Law

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — A measure introduced by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, that gives the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) the flexibility to design an off-hours child care program that meets the needs of third shift workers was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“These last few years have been particularly difficult for working parents, especially those who work outside of traditional business hours. I worked overnight when my daughter was young, so I understand how difficult it is to find reliable and safe childcare during those late night shifts,” Manley said. “The creation of an accessible off-hours child care program will be a huge help and stress-reliever for working families across the state.”

Most child care centers are only open during standard business hours, which leaves those who work outside of those hours without access to child care. House Bill 1571 gives IDHS the authority to design an off-hours child care program based on a report from an advisory committee within the Illinois Early Learning Council. The program, set to be implemented by 2023, must meet the needs of third shift workers or others who work atypical hours.

“Many of the workers impacted by this program, such police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses and more, are always ready to serve our communities at any hour of the day,” Manley said. “We need to find ways to care for their children when they are taking care of us. This legislation will help ease the burden of finding adequate child care so that all workers can continue to provide for their families.”

House Bill 1571 passed without opposition. For more information on the law, please visit www.ilga.gov.