Birth to Five Illinois Helps Families Seeking Early Childhood Education and Care Services
July 29, 2026
Original coverage via WSIU by Brian Sapp.
Launched in 20-22 Birth to Five Illinois was formed to provide equitable access to high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care services for all children from birth to age five.
The program is independent of, but operates regional offices covering the same counties as the Regional Offices of Education.
Brittany Gowler, Zena Madison, and Chelsi Diles all work in the regional offices in southern Illinois. They spent time talking with WSIU about the program and the successes they've seen in serving the families throughout their regions.
In the first part of this two part interview, we learn about Birth to Five Illinois, how they assess and work to meet the needs of children in the community.
In the second part, the local Birth to Five Illinois representatives talk about the successes they've seen in their region helping families and children.
Birth to Five Illinois Website:
www.birthtofiveil.com
Family Stories:
www.birthtofiveil.com/families
Regional Pages (including Regional Reports):
Region 13: www.birthtofiveil.com/region13 (Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington)
Region 21: www.birthtofiveil.com/region21 (Franklin, Johnson, Massac, Williamson)
Region 30: www.birthtofiveil.com/region30 (Alexander, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski, Union)
Region 20: www.birthtofiveil.com/region20 (Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White)
Region 12: www.birthtofiveil.com/region12 (Clay, Crawford, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland)
Map of regions: www.birthtofiveil.com/map