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.
Region 1-A: What Families Say They Need
“…many programs are just not designed for the lives of families…”
Signs of Child Care Mistreatment
The first day of child care can either be a dream or a nightmare…
Just When I Think My Work as Grandma is Slowing Down, They Start to Call Me Great - By Sandy Hyde
Our area needs more support for grandparents raising grandchildren. We also need more activities for children of all ages to do.
Searching for Early Childhood Education and Services is Nonstop - By Ashley Omlor
When we moved here seven years ago, I never thought it would be a challenge to find preschools, child cares, and family services.