Building Brighter Beginnings:Birth to Five Illinois StrengthensEarly Childhood Support

September 2026

Original coverage in Central Illiana Living by Mandi Hartley.

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From a baby's very first breath to their first day of kindergarten, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 54 is working behind the scenes in Vermilion County to help ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

For many families, finding childcare, developmental resources, parenting support, or early intervention services can feel overwhelming. Birth to Five Illinois helps bridge those gaps by bringing together families, childcare providers, educators, healthcare professionals, mental health providers, and community leaders to strengthen early childhood services throughout the region. The goal is simple but powerful: ensure every young child has access to the support and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

At the heart of this work is the local Birth to Five Illinois Council, where community voices help shape meaningful change. Council members identify gaps in childcare, early intervention, maternal and child health, and family support before working collaboratively to develop solutions tailored to the unique needs of Vermilion County families.

Leading the effort locally are Regional Council Manager Tammy Pollitt, Family and Community Engagement Specialist Laken Waltz, and Administrative Support staff member Brooke Davis. Together, they support council members by centering family voices and lived experiences in decision-making, sharing local data to guide priorities, connecting members with regional and statewide resources, building partnerships across systems, and advocating for equitable access to high-quality early learning and care.

The organization's work reaches families, parents, and caregivers throughout Vermilion County, with special attention given to underserved and priority populations. Community outreach includes partnerships with local organizations, public libraries, schools, and family events designed to make participation easy and welcoming for parents and children alike,

Perhaps the organization's greatest impact is best understood through the voices of the families it serves.

Kari, a Family Council member for the past three years, said participating has introduced her to valuable community resources that she now shares with friends and neighbors. She also appreciates that Birth to Five Illinois hosts family-friendly events where parents can comfortably bring their children.

Joshua Blair, a Family Council member, shared, "I can't thank the members of Birth to Five Illinois enough for their hard work and dedication. It feels good to see a network of support provided to an area that desperately needs it. I originally grew up·in the Danvillearea, so I hope this movement inspires more professionals to invest themselves in the area."

Madison Stamm, a rural Vermilion County resident, echoed that sentiment. "Birth to Five Illinois: Region 54 has been a tremendous support for my family by connecting us to valuable resources during my pregnancy and early motherhood," she said.

While the organization's impact is felt locally, its foundation is rooted in a statewide effort to strengthen early childhood systems.

In March 2021, the Early Childhood Funding Commission released recommendations to the Governor's Office identifying significant gaps in funding, coordination, and service delivery for Illinois' youngest children. By mid-2022, regional staff had been hired arross 39 regions aligned with the state's Regional Offices of Education, and local Action and Family Councils were established with participation from more than 1,400 interested residents statewide.

The work has continued to evolve. In July 2023, Birth to Five Illinois released 39 Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessments informed by community surveys, focus groups, local data, and council feedback. Action Plans followed in May 2024, outlining measurable goals for addressing identified needs. In June 2024, the organization completed an additional statewide assessment focused specifically on children's mental and behavioral health - an issue consistently identified as a priority across every region.

Today, the initiative is funded through the Illinois State Board of Education, which selected Birth to Five Illinois in July 2024 as the contracted vendor to support Illinois' early childhood regional and community system infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 54 remains committed to strengthening partnerships , expanding access to services, and ensuring every family’s voice is heard. Every child deserves the opportunity to begin life with a strong foundation, and every family deserves access to the resources that help make that possible. Through collaboration, advocacy, and community partnerships, the organization is helping build a brighter future for Vermilion County's youngest residents.

As of July 1, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood has officially become the lead agency for Child Care Licensing, Head Start, Home Visiting, Early Intervention, the Child Care Assistance Program ( CCAP), the Early Childhood Block Grant, and a wide range of other early childhood services that support families, providers, and educators. This transition also includes Gateways to Opportunity, Illinois Cares for Kids, ExceleRate® Illinois, and Birth to Five Illinois programs, which are administered through INCCRRA.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.birthtofiveil.com/region54 , follow Birth to Five Illinois: Region 54 on Facebook, or contact Tammy Pollitt at tpollitt@birthtofiveil.com.