Birth to Five Region 13 Encourages Community Participation
June, 19 2026
Original coverage in Union Banner by Corey B. Johnson.
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 13 urges Clinton County parents, caregivers and community members to join its councils shaping local early childhood services.
The Carlyle City Council received two special guests at its meeting on June 8. Brittany Gowler and Jessica Chin were representing the Birth to Five Illinois District 13. District 13 encompasses Clinton, Marion, Washington, and Jefferson counties. There are 39 regions, which are based on the Regional Offices of Education.
“We are here in Carlyle and have been in our four counties for four years. We specifically talk to the four counties about what it is like to live and raise a family here in early childhood education.” said Gowler. “We report on that in a few different ways to the state. A couple of years ago, we did an early childhood needs assessment. “We looked at the things that were happening here, whether that be positive or negative. We did this by talking to everyone and specifically to families and caregivers from the community, who were going really well or things we needed to work on as a community.”
During the public forum, Gowler and Chin stressed the importance of Action and Family Council memberships and the lack of representation from Clinton County.
“To become part of the council, you have to fill out an interest form. Those forms are available right now.” Gowler commented.
There are two councils, one of which is the Action Council, which is a space for Early Childhood professionals and community partners to meet and talk.
“Membership in the Action Council can be anyone in the community who has a vested interest in early childhood success in our communities. We love to hear from everyone because we are trying to make big decisions and build upon the things we have established.” Gowler commented.
A Family Council is a space for parents and caregivers of children aged eight or younger to meet and talk. Gowler heads the Birth to Five 13 Family Council.
“The great thing about the Family Council is that you receive a stipend. We value their raw opinion and pay them for their time. The Family Council meetings are held once a month via Zoom, and attendance is not mandatory. All we ask is that you keep in contact with us.” Gowler continued. “If we need feedback on something specific in Carlyle or Clinton County, we can come to that parent and ask their opinion. That is how we get our information, and that is how we build upon the programs we have and support the program that we have supported for years in this area.”
What do the Birth to Five Illinois Councils do?
There are 39 Birth to Five Illinois Regions throughout the State, and each Region has its own Family Council and Action Council.
The Councils typically meet separately but work in partnership to:
Share successes and challenges in accessing Early Childhood services. Offer ideas for how to improve local programs and services. Communicate regularly with families, Early Childhood providers, policymakers, and legislators about local needs.
Who can participate in the Birth to Five Illinois Councils?
Action Councils: Community members and leaders with and without experience in Early Childhood.
Family Councils: Parents and caregivers of a child aged eight and under. Birth To Five encourages all family types to apply.
Qualifications
Must live, work, or have a child who receives Early Childhood services in the Region. Must be committed to working with others to overcome challenges and create solutions.
Time Commitment
Birth to Five Illinois asks members of our Action and Family Councils to serve for a one-year term. Typically, Councils meet up to two times per month. There may be some additional optional tasks outside of meetings.
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 13 representative Brittany Gowler, LEFT, and Birth to Five Illinois: Region 13's Administrative Support, Jessica Chin spoke at the Carlyle City Council on June 8th. Union Banner Photo by Corey B. Johnson.