SPRINGFIELD – Pre-Kindergarten education programs affiliated with Chicago Public Schools will receive a larger portion of additional funding under a new law by State Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago.

An initiative of the Ounce of Prevention Fund, the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law and Illinois Action for Children, the new law increases the percentage of any additional state early childhood education funding that Chicago Public Schools must spend on programs aimed at children from birth to age 3.

“The earlier we can get kids into an educational environment, the better outcomes will be for them later on,” Aquino said. “By investing in the youngest and most vulnerable in Illinois, we hope to ensure more opportunities for them academically and professionally.”

The measure clarifies existing law to increase the portion of additional state early childhood education funding received by Chicago Public Schools that is set aside for infant and toddler programs and to supplement, and not replace, the previous fiscal year’s funding for early childhood education programs serving children under the age 5.

Advocates stress the importance of ensuring enriching, nurturing environments as children learn how to learn in the first three years of life.

“House Bill 2426 ensures that Chicago’s youngest children and their families will have more opportunities to benefit from high-quality early learning and family support services,” said Ounce of Prevention Fund Senior Vice President Elliot Regenstein. “The bill also reinforces the value of consistency across the state in the provision of these important programs.”

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 2426 into law on Friday. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2018.