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.
Inclusive Care for All Children - By Aurea Garvin
All children deserve a chance to grow, learn, and thrive regardless of how much their parents make.
Delaying Services Through Lack of Referral - By Mackenzie McWade
The doctor’s dismissal of any issue was enough to make me feel like I was being paranoid…
The Road Less Traveled to Transition - By Dena Chapman
…while children are matriculating through their transitions, so too are their parents and caregivers!
Pros/Cons of My Child’s Experience with Early Childhood – By Tiffany McSpadden
I feel the longer kids engage in learning, the better off they will be.
Educational Love - By Anonymous
Early Childhood Education has been a huge blessing to my child and myself.
Early Childhood and Beyond - By Krystle Huelsmann
I want to know which programs are best for different diagnosis, what child care options support those with diagnoses, and how to navigate through the financial ends of each; those would be my top searches.
Lack of Reliable Child Care - By Kelley
Six years later, I still have not returned to the workforce because of issues with child care.
The Advocacy Fight for Children with Challenges - By Jacqueline S.
It's exhausting trying to make ends meet when we're essentially being penalized for having a child with special needs.
Early Intervention is Key! - By Ashley Scott
All I have is positivity for what these programs can do to help our children.
Lack of Specialized Support for All Ages Makes Life Hard - By Frustrated Mom of Nonverbal Child with Autism and Epilepsy
Specialists are either not available in our area or we find one but then the whole branch is eliminated since we are not Chicago…
Special Needs for Special Kids - By Molly Krebel
Parents should not feel excluded for having children with special needs.
We’re All in This Together - By Sonya Clark
The closest place that will provide ABA therapy is in St. Louis (two hours away).
Your Voice is Important - By Beth Ward
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their clinical diagnosis.