CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas issued a statement following last week’s federal court decision in Texas blocking the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program from taking any new applications:

“Judge Andrew Hanen’s ruling last Friday is yet another egregious attempt to rip the opportunity away for a pathway to citizenship, safety, and protection from hundreds of thousands of people who came to this country as a result of failed US foreign policy.

“DACA protects undocumented child immigrants and allows them to work in the United States, pursue educational goals, and ultimately gives them a chance to make their own way in this country.

“This decision is just another painful reminder of why the federal government needs to act with urgency and expediency about designing and implementing a permanent solution that is a comprehensive pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants beyond DACA recipients.

“I stand with all the immigrants in the 20th District and beyond. I see you. I hear you. I promise to continue to work to represent you in this state, and I urge Congress and the president to act as soon as possible to protect the millions of people who are entitled to safety, resources, and ability to openly contribute to reimagining this country as one that works towards our collective liberation.”

EVANSTON – In recognition of her continuous work in education policy, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) was awarded the Early Childhood Champion Award at the 50^th Anniversary of the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston’s Baby Toddler Nursery.

“The community sets up children to be who they are. Children learn in context to the web of relationships around them – their parents, caregivers, and teachers,” Pacione-Zayas said at the ceremonial event. “Their environment helps shape them: the care they receive, the community around them, and the city where they live.”

The celebration took place last week and was held to commemorate the anniversary of the nursery as well as to recognize the hard work of the ISWE’s staff, teachers, and parents in uplifting families and educating children.

Pacione-Zayas holds a Ph.D. in educational policy studies and has prior experience with the Latino Policy Forum’s Education Department, was director of community schools at Enlace Chicago, and was the associate vice president of Policy at Erikson Institute. This background has informed her work in the General Assembly, leading her to sponsor legislation to provide more support to those receiving early childhood education degrees.

“Today’s society is nothing without our early childcare work force, and the pandemic definitely proved how essential childcare is,” Pacione-Zayas said. “The work ISWE is so important for preparing children for school while also honoring the identity and home language of the child.”

Learn more about the work ISWE does on their website.

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas released the following statement on Friday’s sentencing of Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in April for the murder of George Floyd, to 22.5 years: 

“Today, my heart goes out to family of George Floyd who were forced to witness his murder and will have to live without their loved one for their remaining years. While some may interpret the sentencing as a form of justice, let’s not forget that true justice would mean that George Floyd would still be alive today. 

“The law enforcement system too often produces outcomes that result in the systematic harm inflicted on Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities. While the court system has returned a verdict and sentence that is rarely applied to police, we still have much work ahead with addressing the root causes of police inflicted violence.” 

EVANSTON - The Infant Welfare Society of Evanston will be hosting an Early Childhood Champion Award Ceremony on Thursday, June 24th from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to honor its amazing staff and celebrate 50 years of their Baby Toddler center as the first licensed infant and toddler facility in the state of Illinois. State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) will speak on her work in early childhood policy and recent legislation as well as be presented with an Early Childhood Champion Award.

“I am so excited and honored to be speaking at this event recognizing the hardworking teachers and caretakers at the IWSE Baby Toddler center,” said Pacione-Zayas, who has been a longtime advocate for early childhood education and support. “The past year was incredibly challenging for kids and teachers alike, and those at IWSE have continued to create a welcoming, supportive environment for families in the community.”

The Infant Welfare Society of Evanston runs two full-day, NAEYC accredited child care and early education facilities — Baby Toddler Nursery and Teen Baby Nursery — and provides comprehensive parenting support and education through our Family Support Program. Their centers keep class sizes small, encourage family participation, and celebrate each child’s uniqueness and individuality.

Besides serving as state senator for Illinois’ 20^th district, Pacione-Zayas serves as the Senior Policy Advisor for the Erikson Institute with a demonstrated history of effectively working in schools as well as community and advocacy organizations where she utilizes her skills in Early Childhood Policy, Family Engagement, Policy Analysis, Latinx Studies, Political Strategy, Restorative Justice, and Education Policy.

“As the first licensed infant and toddler center in Illinois, ISWE has a long legacy of offering services to children, parents, and parents-to-be,” Pacione-Zayas said. “I look forward to continuing my work to secure organizations like ISWE the resources they need.”

In addition to Senator Pacione-Zayas, other speakers will include: IWSE Board Chair Robert Jones, Executive Director Stephen Vick, and Baby Toddler Nursery Site Director Pamela Staples. They will share the history, current impact, and vision for the future that the IWSE and Baby Toddler Nursery have for our youngest learners in the Evanston, Skokie and Morton Grove Communities.

A light breakfast, coffee and refreshments will be provided at 9:45am and the program will begin at 10:00am. The event will take place in the back play area of the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston (2200 Main Street · Evanston, IL 60202), parking is available in the front lot and on Main Street.

RSVP to the event by Wednesday, June 23 at midnight here.