Canty Measure to Streamline and Clarify Childcare Licensing Standards Now Law

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — As another step forward for families in Illinois, a measure led by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, streamlining and clarifying educational standards for getting a childcare license is now law.

“Removing roadblocks that prevent qualified candidates from becoming childcare providers will make immediate progress towards combatting the shortage of caregivers Illinois is facing right now,” Canty said. “We are streamlining an outdated system by clarifying unclear requirements needed for accreditation and so creating much-needed parity in workforce.”

Building on past progress advancing the cause of childcare in Illinois, Canty was the House sponsor of House Bill 3446, which Amends the Child Care Act of 1969 in two major ways: higher education coursework related to psychology must count toward required semester hours, and the Department of Children and Family Services is required to publish on its website a list of all courses that qualify towards a license in the field.

These steps will simplify the education process for Illinois childcare teachers, creating a more straightforward path to the license while helping to meet Illinois growing need for providers. The legislation received unanimous bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and got the backing of a wide range of child and family advocacy organizations. It was signed into law recently.

“I have taken a major role in childcare reform because Illinois families need help raising their kids,” Canty said. “At a time in which cost of living is high, lowering the cost of childcare-while working for an increased number of childcare providers-can make a huge difference. By passing this measure, we are making affordable, commonsense changes that will help fill that need.”