Page 4 Excellence In Education Lincoln Daily News January 2026 Aligning Early Learning and Workforce Support in District 27 Retirements among veteran educators, shifting family needs, and the growing importance of early childhood education have challenged school districts across Illinois to think creatively about how they support both students and staff. Lincoln Elementary School District #27 has embraced this moment of change with a forward-thinking approach centered on people, purpose, and the importance of early learning. Over the past several years, the district has experienced the retirement of many longserving teachers and support staff who helped shape Lincoln schools for decades. In response, district leadership has been intentional in recruiting and hiring a new generation of passionate and motivated educators. Administrators and school board members recognized that attracting and retaining high-quality staff requires more than competitive salaries and a strong professional culture; it also requires meaningful support for employees’ families. One of the most significant needs identified was access to safe, reliable, and affordable childcare. To meet this need, the district committed to developing a staff daycare center, a vision that became reality after two years of careful planning, collaboration, and preparation. The newly established staff daycare center now houses an infant room and a toddler room serving district employees and currently cares for 23 children. These spaces provide a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment where children can thrive, while giving staff peace of mind knowing
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