New Initiative Supports Early Brain Development in Young Children Through Community Partnerships
The Birth to Five Illinois: Region 28 Team and Councils aim to build community-wide partnerships to improve Early Childhood Education and Care services for children and families. In 2025, the Bureau Henry Stark Early Childhood Collaboration (BHSECC) was established to enhance the coordination of Early Childhood services and support school readiness. They started with funding from a Birth to Five Illinois Planning Grant, with the Regional Office of Education #28 serving as the backbone for BHSECC. Other collaboration partners include Henry/Stark County Health Department, Bureau/Putnam/Marshall County Health Department, Bureau/Henry/Stark Birth-3 Program, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 28, and Early Beginnings Parents as Teachers. The Basics Illinois is an example of the types of services BHSECC will implement to support children and families in Bureau, Henry, and Stark counties.
March 10, 2026
Original coverage in Regional Media News by Jennifer Russell.
The Bureau, Henry & Stark Regional Office of Education, along with area health departments, is introducing the “The Basics, IL” initiative to help boost brain growth in young children from birth to age three. Superintendent Kathy Marshall explains that key brain development takes place in these early years. “The Basics” program focuses on five crucial strategies: maximizing love, managing stress, talking, singing, and pointing, counting and comparing, exploring through play, and reading together. The initiative seeks to expand collaboration with hospitals, schools, libraries, and more, aiming to foster learning opportunities and family engagement.
Kathy Marshall, Regional Office of Education Superintendent, said, “Science shows that 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three. Beginning from birth, young brains develop like small muscles, getting bigger and stronger the more you or your family interact with your child.” Marshall adds, “We are already partnering with many local agencies to roll out this important program.”
The “Basics, IL” initiative is seeking to broaden its network of community partners in an effort to support early childhood development. Key organizations like hospitals, libraries, health centers, schools, community centers, childcare providers, and churches are encouraged to join in. Participating partners will host family engagement stations, offering resources such as engaging books, Mega Bloks, tables, stools, and educational posters to benefit local families. These interactive spaces are designed to spark children’s curiosity while strengthening family bonds. Those interested in supporting young learners can connect with the Regional Office of Education #28 at 309-936-7890 for details.
