Birth to Five Illinois Launches Chicago Early Childhood & Community Resource Finder

June 15, 2026

Families across the City of Chicago now have a centralized way to access early childhood and family support services. The Birth to Five Illinois: Region 1-A Cook County (City of Chicago) Team and Councils launched a new Chicago Early Childhood & Community Resource Finder to easily connect families with trusted programs serving children from birth to age five.

‍Chicago families often navigate complex systems to access services. The Resource Finder simplifies that process by bringing citywide resources together in one searchable, user-friendly platform. The digital tool is free and available to parents, caregivers, providers, and community organizations. It was created in direct response to community-identified needs highlighted in the 2023 Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment and subsequent planning efforts.

The Resource Finder serves as a single, comprehensive point of access for information on early childhood education, family supports, health and wellness services, and other critical community resources. By simplifying how families locate and navigate available services, the Resource Finder supports access to timely, reliable information during a child’s most critical years of development, including:

• Child care and preschool programs

• Early Intervention services

• Developmental screenings

• Home visiting programs

• Health and mental health services

• Food and housing supports

“Access to clear, accurate information is essential for families as they support their children’s growth and well-being,” said a Birth to Five Illinois: Region 1-A Family Council member.

Jacquelyn Ledezma, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 1-A Family & Community Engagement Specialist, said, "Parents are experts in their own experiences. By listening to them and involving them in designing the Resource Finder, we created a tool that better meets families' needs and is easier and more effective to use."

The launch of the Resource Finder reflects Birth to Five Illinois: Region 1-A’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Early Childhood systems through data-informed planning, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.

The Chicago Early Childhood & Community Resource Finder is now available: www.birthtofiveil.com/region1a/#resources

Learn more about Birth to Five Illinois: Region 1-A (City of Chicago): www.birthtofiveil.com/region1a