Illinois Early Childhood Dollars

Early Childhood Advocacy Day Project
April 14, 2010

Participate in Early Childhood Advocacy Day by decorating Illinois Early Childhood Dollars.

Each dollar will be individually created by a child or family and given to legislators to illustrate the need for investments in Illinois' youngest citizens. The "dollars" are easy to download and print, so families should feel free to decorate as many as they want. We'd like legislators to receive hundreds, even thousands, of these dollars representing the children and families in their districts.

Consider decorating the dollars as a project in a classroom, during a home visit, or with a parent group. Dollars can be taken to Springfield and given to legislators during Advocacy Day or mailed directly to legislators (look up your legislators' address)! If you would like us to send you printed dollars or you have questions, please contact us.

Directions:

1. Download your Early Childhood Dollar. Choose from two versions: What Am I Worth? and Invest in Children .
2. Print double-sided or individual pages. The first page is the front of your Early Childhood Dollar and the second page is the back.
3. Cut along the dotted line.
4. On the front of your Early Childhood Dollar, attach a photograph of your family or draw/illustrate your family in your own unique way.
5. On the back of your Early Childhood Dollar, explain why your program is important. Brainstorm with your child or write give your own reasons. Think about the people at your program who make a difference in your life and what makes your program successful. Think about how your child has benefited from the program or the impact the program has had on your entire family.
6. If you didn't print double-sided, tape or staple the two sides of your Early Childhood Dollar together, so that it has a front and a back.

This is your chance to leave a lasting impression, so think carefully about what you want your elected officials to know about your family and program. Work with your child and use your imagination to let legislators in Springfield hear your family's distinct voice.

Together, we can create brighter futures for all Illinois children.



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