Supporting Young Children’s Mental Health in Our Community
March 6, 2026
Original coverage in the Chatham Area Chamber Quarterly News and Updates (March 2026). Article written by Ashley Earles, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 Council Manager.
Supporting Young Children’s Mental Health in Our Community
Though you may not be aware, Birth to Five Illinois works in every community in the State to find out how families are accessing local Early Childhood services, inform decisionmakers and the community of the services families say they need, and take action to expand and improve access.
In 2023, Birth to Five Illinois released an Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment for all 39 Illinois Regions. One of the most pressing needs identified across the State was access to Mental and Behavioral Health services. Here in Region 51 (Menard and Sangamon Counties), this issue remains a top priority for families, schools, and child care programs.
Working closely with families in our community, we have seen these challenges firsthand. Early intervention is important for children from birth to age five because these early years strongly influence their emotional, social, and thinking skills (cognitive development). Without adequate support, early struggles can follow children throughout their lives.
We have many dedicated professionals in our area; however, the demand for services far outweighs what is currently available:
Families often wait too long for Mental and Behavioral Health care.
Early Childhood providers need more support to continue their vital work in the classroom.
To address these needs, the Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 Team and Councils are focusing on three key goals:
Raising awareness of available training for families, providers, and professionals.
Creating a local resource guide to help families access Mental and Behavioral Health services and support groups.
Launching a community campaign to increase access to career opportunities in Mental and Behavioral Health.
By working together, we can ensure our youngest children and their families receive the support they deserve. This effort helps build a stronger, healthier community for everyone.
To join the progress or learn more about our needs assessment report and Action Plan, visit www.birthtofiveil.com/region51 or email Ashley Earles at aearles@birthtofiveil.com.