Spreading the Word as We Strive for Equity
Scroll down to read all Birth to Five Illinois news coverage, or you can click to read the coverage from your Region.
YMCA Vision 2030 Unveiled
Working alongside the community to advocate for increased child care is leading to big changes in Birth to Five Illinois: Region 8! Vision 2023 includes child care for 200 kids, doubling what the area currently has available.
Open Line ON DEMAND – Birth to Five Illinois
Janice Crow, Region 20 Council Manager, and Maude Harrison, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 20 Family Council member, talk on-air about the community-driven family support efforts they are leading in Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties!
Illinois Kids' Future: Inside Birth to Five Illinois with Nicole Bach
Check out Nicole Bach, Region 44 Council Manager (McHenry County), talking about everything from her personal commitment to advancing Early Childhood Education, strategies for meaningful community engagement in the Early Childhood sector, and the core mission and groundbreaking work of Birth to Five Illinois!
New Rural Transportation Service Launched in Ford County
The Birth to Five Illinois: Region 9 Action Plan has prompted some major changes to increase access for families in Ford County.
PRESS RELEASE: Birth to Five Illinois Wraps Up Fiscal Year with Major Impact Tools
Announcing the release of an Impact Report, infographics for every Illinois Region, and an animated Action Plan video to close out the fiscal year.
Kankakee County Health Department “Who Knew?” Podcast with Liz Gibson, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 32
Listen to Liz Gibson (Region 32 Council Manager) talk all things Birth to Five Illinois in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. She is interviewed by Kailee Zito, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Kankakee County Health Department and Region 32 Action Council member.
Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn Teams Up for New Birth to 5 Resource Hub
The Region 1-B-C (Cook County South) Action Council identified the need for a central resource hub for families. In partnership with the Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123, and the Illinois Resource Center, that Early Childhood Resource Hub is now available!
Illini Media Group Features Birth to Five Illinois on the Focus News & Public Affairs Podcast
Region 9 Council Manager (Jill Duden) and Family & Community Engagement Specialist (Melissa Watson) talk all things Birth to Five Illinois on this episode of the Focus News & Public Affairs Podcast.
OL Children Museum Hub Connects South Suburban Families With Early Childhood Programs
As part of their Action Plan, the Region 1-B-C Councils set a goal to increase awareness of Early Childhood Education and Care services. In partnership with the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, they launched an Early Childhood Resource Hub.
Teacher Talk - O.W.L. Early Childhood Resource Hub
In this episode of Teacher Talk, Abby Hoskins, Region 47 Council Manager, talks about the O.W.L. Early Childhood Resource Hub created to meet a need identified by families in Ogle, Whiteside, and Lee Counties.
Sauk Valley Families Can Access Early Childhood Resources through O.W.L. Early Childhood Resource Hub
The Birth to Five Illinois: Region 47 Family and Action Councils along with the Sauk Valley STARS Early Childhood Coalition, have officially launched the O.W.L. Early Childhood Resource Hub!
New Early Childhood Resource Hub Launches for Ogle, Whiteside, and Lee Counties
To fulfill one of the recommendations in their Action Plan, the Birth to Five Illinois: Region 47 Family and Action Councils have launched the O.W.L. Early Childhood Resource Hub in collaboration with the Sauk Valley STARS Early Childhood Coalition!
Birth to Five Illinois Seeks to Build Connections with Diverse Voices
Listen to Birth to Five Illinois: Region 49 Council Manager, Emily Cummings, and Family & Community Engagement Specialist, Heather Anderson, talk about the goals for this statewide system the Action Plan focus of their local Councils in Rock Island County, and how community members can get involved!
Lewis and Clark Launches New Human Services AAS Degree
Recommendation 1 in the Birth to Five Illinois: Region 41 (Madison County) Action Plan is to, “Build a community infrastructure to support additional teachers, support staff, specialists, and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) slots.” This new AAS degree at Lewis and Clark marks tremendous progress!
Testimonial: How 211 Helps Our Community
Recommendation 3 in the Region 51 Action Plan is to, “Launch a 211 campaign through United Way that includes social media, community outreach, and enrollment in the 211 system.” Watch Birth to Five Illinois staff member Amber’s testimonial in support of this effort.
Testimonial: How 211 Helps Our Community
Recommendation 3 in the Region 51 Action Plan is to, “Launch a 211 campaign through United Way that includes social media, community outreach, and enrollment in the 211 system.” Watch Family Council member Samantha’s testimonial in support of this effort.
Testimonial: How 211 Helps Our Community
Recommendation 3 in the Region 51 Action Plan is to, “Launch a 211 campaign through United Way that includes social media, community outreach, and enrollment in the 211 system.” Watch Action Council member Kendra’s testimonial in support of this effort.
Organizations Meet Tuesday to Discuss Opening Crisis Nursery in Macon County
Senator Doris Turner and Birth to Five Illinois: Region 39 Council Manager, Heather Seitz, hosted a community meeting to build support for opening a crisis nursery in Macon County.
Improving Early Childhood Education in Forgottonia with Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26
In this podcast, all three members of the Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26 Team share how they are addressing Early Childhood Education challenges in rural areas by collaborating with schools, families, and local organizations.
Organizations Exploring Options to Create Crisis Nursery in Macon County
As part of their Regional Action Plan, the Region 39 Councils are working to create a crisis nursery in Macon County. Watch this news segment featuring interviews with Heather Seitz, Region 39 Council Manager, and Senator Doris Turner. To learn more, there will be a Community Meeting on January 28, 2025, at the Decatur Public Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.