Congratulations to Illinois Anthropology alumna Teresa Ramos (BA, ’04; MA, ’08; PhD, ’12; with a minor in Latina/Latino studies) for being named the first secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). Ramos is currently the first assistant deputy governor for education in Governor JB Pritzker’s office. Pending state Senate approval, Ramos will begin her new role in January and the department will be fully operational by the summer of 2026. 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.

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