More About Joining a Family Council*

The Birth to Five Illinois Family Council in each Region:

  • Works in partnership with the Region’s Action Council

  • Shares the successes and challenges in accessing Early Childhood services

  • Offers ideas for how to improve programs and services

  • Advocates for family needs with local and state officials

*If you are a parent or caregiver, you can complete an Interest Form for either the Family Council or the Action Council. If you are interested in being a part of both/either Council, please complete the Family Council Interest Form (below) and then select that you would also like to be considered for the Action Council.

 
Graphic that reads, “Join your Family Council. Parents and caregivers or children aged eight and under, share your experience and knowledge to support positive change for you and your community!”
 

Participating in a Family Council

We want a wide range of experiences on the Family Councils, including:

  • Families that live or receive services across the Region, especially in areas that have been under resourced

  • Families that represent the racial and linguistic diversity of the Region 

  • Families with at least one child aged eight and under, including those who have used Early Childhood services and those who have not

Two family members may also sit on the Region’s Action Council.

Time Commitment

We ask parents and caregivers to serve for one year on the Family Council. We expect the Councils to meet up to two times per month. There may be some additional tasks outside of meetings.

Compensation for Family Members

If you serve on the Family Council, you will receive a quarterly stipend for your time and experience.

Have More Questions?

Join one of four virtual Family Council Information Sessions to learn more! Click one of the links below to register for a session.

Interested in Joining?

Please complete a Family Council Interest Form. We will follow up about the next steps after the Interest Forms close in September 2025.

Family Council Interest Form

The Birth to Five Illinois Council Interest Forms are closing on Friday, September 5, 2025, at midnight. Please submit your Interest Form before that time! All Interest Forms will be reviewed by Birth to Five Illinois staff in September. You will be contacted after decisions are made. 

To request information in a language other than English or Spanish, please contact us at info@birthtofiveil.com.

Press the drop-down menu in the upper right corner to access the Interest Form in English or Spanish.