Gov. Pritzker Announces Dr. Teresa Ramos as Inaugural Secretary of Illinois Department of Early Childhood
December 2, 2024
Chicago—Today Governor JB Pritzker announced Dr. Teresa Ramos will head the newly formed Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), pending Senate confirmation. Ramos currently serves as First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education in the Governor’s Office and was instrumental in the strategic planning involved in designing, proposing, and launching the newest state agency. Ramos will begin serving as acting Secretary pending Senate approval in January.
“Dr. Ramos has served the state of Illinois admirably in both the public and private sector, and I can think of no person better positioned to shepherd IDEC as it ramps up to full operations,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Her expertise across education, child care, community engagement, and early childhood development make her a leader in her field that I know will lead the new Department to success.”
“I’m eager to get started working with an incredible team of state employees, parents and families, advocates, and early childhood providers to create something exceptional that will give every infant, toddler, and young child an opportunity for a strong and healthy start.” said Dr. Teresa Ramos.
Prior to beginning at the Governor’s Office in 2022, Ramos served as Vice President of Public Policy, Research, and Advocacy at Illinois Action for Children, a child care and early education nonprofit. Ramos also served as Director of Community Engagement for Advance Illinois and assisted the Governor’s education transition team in 2018. Ramos holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology with a minor in Latina/Latino Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where she also completed her Bachelors Degree.
Governor Pritzker announced plans for the Department of Early Childhood in fall of 2023 and signed legislation creating the department this past summer. The department combines programs currently overseen by several other state agencies including oversight and funding of preschool programs and childcare centers. IDEC will also oversee home visiting and early intervention programs for pre-school aged children. IDEC will be fully operational and administer their slate of programs by the beginning of FY27 (July 1, 2026).
"As IDHS continues to push for equitable and results-driven early childhood programming, we're thrilled to work closely with Dr. Ramos to bring our programs into a stand alone agency solely dedicated to young children and families," said IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce M. Quintero. "Thanks to Governor Pritzker, the future of early childhood care and education looks bright in Illinois, and Dr. Ramos will make it even brighter. I can't wait to get to work alongside her."
“The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is thrilled to partner with Dr. Teresa Ramos as she takes on the task of building out the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), and we extend our thanks to Ann Whalen for the incredible groundwork she has laid,” said Heidi E. Mueller, Director DCFS. “Under Dr. Ramos, the IDEC will improve services and support for families. This remains an exciting time for Illinois as Governor Pritzker continues to empower and challenge us to reimagine what we can accomplish as a state and truly be the best state in the country to raise a family.”
“The work of the Department of Early Childhood is going to play a critical role in expanding and streamlining access to state services for families with young children,” said Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Acting Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “I had the pleasure of working with Teresa in the Governor’s Office and am excited to partner with her and the DEC staff to promote positive outcomes for the state’s children and families.”
“Dr. Teresa Ramos is an outstanding choice to lead Illinois’ new Department of Early Childhood," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "Her vision, expertise, and deep dedication to children and families will ensure this groundbreaking agency fulfills its mission to streamline and strengthen early childhood services across our state. As the Department of Early Childhood builds its foundation, ISBE is proud to partner to support a smooth transition of programs and to continue championing equitable opportunities for our youngest learners. Together, we are reimagining how Illinois invests in its children, creating a brighter future for all.”