Birth to Five Report Highlights Child Care Shortage in Region 47

July 20, 2026

Original coverage in 102.3 The Coyote.

Birth to Five Illinois says families across Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties continue to face major challenges finding child care despite strong community partnerships and recent progress in expanding resources. A new regional report found that only about 32 percent of children who need licensed child care have access to a spot, while 30 child care programs closed between 2023 and 2025 and only one new licensed program opened. Regional Council Manager Abby Hoskins said the biggest obstacle is a shortage of early childhood workers. 

“ We continue to see challenges with recruiting early childhood professionals and also retaining them. We heard from a lot of providers that, hinges on opening additional classrooms if they’re a center-based childcare program, for example. So we’re really looking at how we work to strengthen that workforce and support them so that way we can open more spots in our region as well.” 

The report also found ongoing shortages of mental and behavioral health services for young children, while highlighting progress through the O.W.L. Early Childhood Resource Hub, expanded community partnerships and new tools to help families find child care, developmental services and other support.