By: Ashmar Mandou
First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education in the Governor’s Office Dr. Teresa Ramos was recently named to head the inaugural Secretary of Illinois Department of Early Childhood, as her work played an instrumental role in the planning phases and launching of the newest department. 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.”
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 Bachelor’s Degree. “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.
The new 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).
