Helping Our Youngest Learners with Birth to Five Illinois

March 4, 2026

Original coverage in the Ford County Chronicle by Lynn Matthews.

By LYNN MATHEWS
Executive director of the Community Resource & Counseling Center
and JILL DUDEN
Regional Council Manager, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 9 (Champaign & Ford Counties)

Mental Health in 5 Minutes

The mental health of infants and toddlers is often not thought about or recognized, even though these early years play a crucial role in children’s overall wellbeing. Emotional and mental health is just as important as physical health. Recognizing the importance of mental health early on helps build a strong foundation for a child’s future.

When infants experience disruptions in care or when a parent or caregiver is struggling — such as with serious depression — the ability to respond and connect can be affected. Relational disruptions can influence early brain development and emotional well-being later in life. That is why it is so important for parents and caregivers to stay mindful of their own mental health and reach out for support when they need it.

Supporting infant and toddler mental health

Early childhood programs build social emotional skills by helping children express feelings, understand others and form healthy relationships — key foundations for their growth and development.

Child care services in Ford County can also provide helpful resources and guidance for families during these important years.

Parents, providers and educators can work together to support children’s mental health by encouraging open communication, creating safe spaces for expression and staying attentive to each child’s needs. By creating supportive environments, adults can spot early signs of stress or anxiety and respond effectively.

For providers, supporting babies’ mental health also means caring for the adults who look after them. Checking in with caregivers about their well being and offering referrals when needed can make a real difference. Routine visits are also a good time to talk about the value of consistent routines and positive parenting.

How do I learn more?

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. Their staff support communities in working together to ensure all children and families have fair access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood programs.

As a parent or family member, your expertise is critical to the work of the Birth to Five Illinois action councils and family councils. Each Region has both a family council and family representation on the action council. No planning will be done without prioritizing families’ experiences, which is only understood coming directly from families. Family members are compensated for their time on the councils.

In addition, you can share your story and subscribe to their newsletters via their website:

— Family and community stories: www.birthtofiveil.com/stories.

— Newsletter subscribe: www.birthtofiveil.com/ newsletters.

Also, Illinois Cares for Kids is a great place for caregivers, teachers and child care providers to access early childhood information, including how to help pay for child care: https://www.illinoiscaresforkids.org.