From Being in the Dark to Joining the Family Council: A Parent's Perspective – By Juliet Moderow

Our experience was more about the unknowns for a new parent and being thankful that there were people out there who were always willing to provide information.  

When our daughter was close to preschool age, I was unaware of the processes of screening for preschool. It was only after an acquaintance, who happened to be someone who had a role to call parents about preschool screenings, contacted me randomly to share some upcoming dates to be aware of. I think I initially brushed it off, as I was under the impression that you just signed your child up to enroll for the upcoming school year. I did not know of such a process to evaluate your child, see what needs they might have, whether they are appropriate for half-day or full-day, and what availabilities there are for schools. I assumed it was more automatic, frankly, because I was never a parent before. I didn't know this new world I was in (how did MY parents do it so well!?).  

Oddly enough, I am a community college instructor. One would assume I would know about any procedures related to school, but I was unaware of procedures for Early Childhood Education. I was very thankful that someone reached out to me. I don't know how parents get on a call list like this but would like to see something more consistent to help parents. I know I'm not alone with other new parents who are unaware of the processes involved for Early Childhood Education.  

Since then, I have seen more social media posts about upcoming screenings. I'm more likely to share this information with new parents I know because I was in the same boat. I would continue to encourage community members to help spread the word about these resources, so a family does not miss opportunities to help their child thrive. This is one of the reasons why I agreed to be on the Birth to Five Illinois Family Council - to learn about the processes and help parents find these resources better.