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.

Share Your Story

Maggie Koller 4/25/23 Maggie Koller 4/25/23

17 Years Searching for Quality Child Care, and Still More to Go! - By Anonymous

We have also had instances where one child was at a home-based child care center in one part of the county, and another one was at a different home-based child care center simply because there weren't openings for both of them in the same place or any others.

Maggie Koller 4/21/23 Maggie Koller 4/21/23

Finding Day Care - By Erica Hanke-Young

I feel like the thing we need most is information on child care early enough for us to make a plan. I will need information and enough time to figure out what to do for our family.

Maggie Koller 4/21/23 Maggie Koller 4/21/23

First Experiences as New Parents in a New Environment - By Grace Keller, Levi Alexander, and Walker Alexander

Finding the Birth to Five Illinois Family Council has been the greatest success in helping me start my journey as a mother and to find quality care for our son.

Guest User 4/21/23 Guest User 4/21/23

Lack of Reliable Child Care - By Kelley

Six years later, I still have not returned to the workforce because of issues with child care.

Maggie Koller 4/21/23 Maggie Koller 4/21/23

The Balancing Act of Child Care and Work, With No Options - By Anonymous

I need access to child care in our area, quality child care that is open actual working hours and has the ability to take school-age children, even if they have days off from school.

Maggie Koller 4/20/23 Maggie Koller 4/20/23

Foster Care Equality - By C.

To begrudge a child a place in child care based off being in the foster care system is preposterous!

Maggie Koller 4/20/23 Maggie Koller 4/20/23

More Availability for Centers - By Ashley Renth

It becomes very difficult for families to provide a double income home or even an income in general with little to no resources or a daycare for their children.