OL Children Museum Hub Connects South Suburban Families With Early Childhood Programs

May 16, 2025

Original coverage in the Patch by Lorraine Swanson.

Children's Museum in Oak Lawn's resource hub connects families with early intervention, education, and health resources for kids birth to 5.

The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn has unveiled a new Early Childhood Resource Hub. The centralized online platform is designed to connect families with children from birth to five with local programs, services and organizations throughout the south suburbs.

In partnership with Birth To Five Illinois Region 1-B-C (Cook County South), the Early Childhood Resource Hub aims to streamline access to early intervention services, early intervention services, educational programs, health resources and other essential supports for families navigating the critical early years of a child’s development.

“As a museum that believes deeply in the power of play-based learning, we also understand that learning doesn't begin at preschool—it begins at birth,” museum executive director Adam Woodworth said in a news release. “This resource hub is a natural extension of our mission to support the whole child and the whole family.”

In partnership with Birth To Five Illinois Region 1-B-C (Cook County South, the site offers:

• Searchable listings by city and category

• A streamlined submission process for organizations to share their offerings

Organizations that serve young children and families are invited to join the hub by visiting the page and clicking the “Add Your Organization” button to submit their information.

“This hub isn’t just a project—it’s a growing network,” Woodworth added. “We’re calling on community partners to help us build something meaningful and lasting for families in our region."

The project is part of a broader effort to ensure families know about resources during their child's foundational years, and it reflects the museum’s commitment to being more than a destination—it’s a partner in early learning and family wellness.

For more information or to add your organization to the hub, visit the Early Childhood Resource Hub.