Quinn signs early education law

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a plan into law that guarantees a higher percentage of state grant money be set aside for early education.

The state’s $300 million Early Education Block Grant program is geared toward children up to age 5.

Quinn signed the legislation Wednesday in Chicago. It says at least 14 percent of the money must be set aside for children up to age 3. That’s up from 11 percent.

Education officials say the state already spends about 14 percent on home visits and education centers, but now funding can’t dip below that level.

The law takes effect July 1.

Quinn also signed a bill that changes requirements for giving a yearly incentive to teachers who receive a certain certification.

ASSOCIATED PRESS