Supporting Early Learning in IL: Leveraging Too Small to Fail Resources
In Illinois, like the rest of the nation, too many children begin their educational journey already behind. Nearly 60 percent of children in the United States start kindergarten without the foundational language and reading skills they need to thrive. This reality underscores the critical importance of supporting families and communities in creating rich early learning environments.
As the PAT Illinois State Office, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed from the very beginning. Our vision aligns with a world where families have access to high-quality early learning resources, communities foster spaces for children to flourish, and parents and caregivers feel empowered to engage their children in meaningful, language-rich interactions.
One resource we’re excited to share with the field is Too Small to Fail, the early childhood initiative of the Clinton Foundation. Too Small to Fail provides families and caregivers with tools and guidance to incorporate talking, reading, and singing into their daily routines—simple, powerful actions that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
We encourage you to explore the resources from Too Small to Fail and share them with the families and communities you serve. Together, we can help bridge the preparation gap and ensure that every child in Illinois starts school ready to learn and succeed.