This Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) annual performance report for the year 2016 describes Illinois' accomplishments, lessons learned, challenges, and strategies Illinois will implement to address those challenges. Illinois' Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) Grant initiatives reflect the State's three strategic reform priorities. In each of these areas, Illinois has accomplished a great deal in its fourth year of implementation. (1) Priority 1: Deepening the integration of State supports to create a unified framework for all early learning and development programs; (2) Priority 2: Connecting the most-at-risk children with the supports and services they need. Although Illinois has an adequate level of services for children with high needs, too many of the most vulnerable young children in the state are not being served. Through its State Plan, Illinois is working to identify and remove barriers to participation for these children and their families; and (3) Priority 3: Increasing program quality: From adequate to good and from good to great Illinois recognizes that all early childhood programs--even those already meeting high quality standards--need support and guidance in developing and implementing continuous program improvement strategies.