New state agency should make childcare deserts a top priority

The launch of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood presents a significant opportunity to address one of the state's most persistent challenges — childcare deserts. As the Sun-Times recently reported, families seeking childcare, preschool and other early childhood services have often been required to navigate multiple agencies and programs. By bringing these services under a single department, Illinois has the potential to streamline access and make it easier for parents to understand and…