See what local families and community members say they need for their children across the State
Family & Community Stories
Birth to Five Illinois has created a space for families and community members in every Illinois Region to share their experiences with local Early Childhood programs and services. Through stories about challenges and successes, we can identify the issues and work collectively to mend what is broken, while also celebrating what is working.
Overcoming the Struggles – By Steffanie
I struggled for years trying to juggle being a full-time mom and having some kind of income to support my kids.
Giving Back: Student to Teacher – By Allie Rohrer & Miss Maggie
Our daughter, Maggie, has been with Amy at Earlville Learning Center since she was 10 months old, almost exactly 4 years to the day.
Thankful for My Case Coordinator - By Anonymous
All of my children had different experiences when it came to breastfeeding.
Smile Every Day – By Charletha Edwards
Life in general has been a challenge lately. No matter what, I still must be my best self to raise my babies.
Childbirth Affected by Stigmas – By Anonymous
I have had what I thought was the privilege of delivering all my children at the same local hospital.
Navigating your Medicaid Coverage – By Anonymous
Being able to use our insurance for our local pediatrician and Mental and Behavioral Health resources has been a blessing for our family.
Positive Pediatric Experience - By Kristina and Nester
My son was born premature at 4lbs 6oz through an emergency C-section, which then required a transfer for both of us to a hospital outside our area.
Great Resources vs. Ability to Access Resources - By Inari Rivera
I moved to this area in 2005, and I have had 3 children since.
Epilepsy – By Marisa
From the moment we connected with this organization, we felt seen, heard, and supported.
Needing to Help Our Children - Even Through the State – By Kaitlin Perkins
Her therapist left at the end of July and the only options that Early Intervention could offer us were video appointments or traveling further than we wanted.
Why is Postpartum a Secret? - By Alissa & Family
I don’t understand why postpartum isn’t discussed during prenatal appointments, why it isn’t shared that this is something very real that can happen to anyone.
Surviving Domestic Violence - By Anonymous
No one should ever have to consider staying in a violent situation because escaping doesn’t seem like an option.
School Phobia - By Anonymous
Through school directives, my family has struggled through the Mental and Behavioral Health world.
How to Navigate Accessing Services - By The Wiley Family
I had no idea where to look for counseling services aside from "googling it".
Maybe We Will Try Again - By Anonymous
…if my son needed any Mental and Behavioral Health resources, I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea. I would just hope he had a better experience than I did.
Boys Cry Too - By The Dennis Family
What I see in our Region for these resources changes all the time; I am hearing that they are becoming less and less, not growing.
It Takes a Village - By Elizabeth & Family
The services I need most for my family is specialized care that takes public insurance; it’s hard to find in our area, I don't think it exists…
The Struggles of a Single Mom - By the Durbin Family
Child care waiting lists are so long, and the cost for public, private, licensed, and/or unlicensed care is wild.
Region 35: What Families Say They Need
"We are a two-income household, working in education, and it is still a struggle. There are not a lot of options for child care centers and most home child care providers are filled."