An early childhood education program championed by Gov. JB Pritzker is ahead of schedule when it comes to increasing access to preschool in Illinois. The Smart Start program passed last May as part of ...

ROCHESTER, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker had an ambitious goal to create space for 5,000 young children to start preschool last year. The Democrat announced Thursday that the state was able to get ...

(The Center Square) – Preschools in Illinois are expanding in some areas due to the $250 million taxpayer-funded Smart Start Program. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the Smart Start Program looks to make ...

Two preschoolers play with toys at a Rochester Elementary School early childhood classroom. Two preschoolers play with toys at a Rochester Elementary School early childhood classroom. An early ...