A SPECIAL COMMISSION ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO IMPROVE THE CARE AND TEACHING OF ILLINOIS' YOUNGEST POPULATION. 

THE COMMISSION HASN'T ISSUED A FINAL REPORT YET, BUT MEMBERS DISCUSSED SOME OF THEIR IDEAS AT A SENATE HEARING. RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE MORE EQUITABLE FUNDING OF PRE-SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS AND BETTER PAY FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS SAYS FIRST ASSISTANT DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EDUCATION THERESA HAWLEY.

RECOMMENDATIONS ALSO INCLUDE CREATING A NEW STATE AGENCY DEDICATED TO CHILD CARE, HOME VISIT AND PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS SAYS COMMISSION MEMBER SHAUNA EJEH (eh'-jay).

COMMISSION MEMBERS ALSO STRESSED THE NEED TO PULL CHILD CARE, HOME VISIT AND PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF A NEW EARLY CHILDHOOD STATE AGENCY.