Putting Families First: Region Push to Assist Local Child Care
October 1, 2026
Original coverage in The Fulton Democrat by Kara Aldridge.
How Birth to Five Illinois Uses Local Data for Change
Big changes are happening to Birth to Five Illinois this year.
With these new changes, local families are going to have better support and services for early childhood care. In Illinois, 39 regional offices help provide access to Early Childhood services for all children. One region in particular, Region 26, supports families in Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler counties.
Region 26 brings community members and leaders together through its Action Council and Family Council. Both councils meet separately to discuss early childhood care in the region. Both of these councils look at data to identify strengths and barriers that affect families' access to services in the region. After identifying barriers, these councils work together to create and implement solutions.
Paul Larson, Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26, shared what new things are on the horizon. He shared that in October they will be adding new Council members to their 39 Action Councils and 39 Family Councils across the state.
Each Council will bring forth a new Action Plan to fulfill some of the local gaps identified. The work changes every year depending on what the Councils in each Region determine to be the greatest needs and the most effective course of action," Larson explained.
These Councils will work at conducting interviews, surveys, and focus groups to gather data. Larson also shared that Birth to Five Illinois continually talks with families, attends community events, and speaks with professionals, reviewing publicly available data sources, such as the Early Childhood Asset Map.
In June, the region published a Changes in Early Childhood report. This report highlighted ongoing gaps, opportunities for the region, and major changes.
Our Councils are an important part of keeping us informed," Larson explained. The report can be viewed at www.birthtofiveil.com/region26/#report.
Region 26's Aim to Unify Families and Educators
By collecting feedback from the community, the region is able to create an Action Plan with measurable goals.
Larson shared that one of the goals for Fulton County is "to highlight the important impact child care providers make every day, helping to build young brains."
To do this, Region 26 is partnering with organizations to host a spring event that celebrates families and early educators. The goal is to raise awareness and connect families with local sup-port. While many agencies struggle with attendance, explained, "we have unified them to create a stronger, collective offering, increasing engagement and emphasizing the importance of our local child care providers."
Connecting with Region 26
To connect and learn more about Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26, Larson shares their website (https://www.birthtofiveil.com/region26), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtofiveilregion26 ).
You may also contact Larson through (plarson@birthtofiveil.com) or phone (309-270-5519) for any questions, comments, or concerns about Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26.