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 apply to either the Family Council or the Action Council. If you are interested in applying to 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.

 
Image with colorful hands below a message about joining a Family Council.
 

Participating in a Family Council

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

  • Families that live 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 parent 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.

Applying to the Family Council

Please complete a Family Council Interest Form. We will follow up about the next steps after the Interest Form closes in late summer.

Family Council Interest Form

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