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.
Bloomington Woman Plans to Open Inclusive Farmhouse Child Care Center
Melissa Breeden, Region 17 Council Manager representing DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, and McLean Counties, discusses some of the challenges Early Childhood providers face as part of this WGLT article.
The South Suburban News Proudly Presents: The 2025 Black Women of Excellence
The South Suburban News proudly presents the 2025 Black Women of Excellence, which includes Region 1-B-C (South Cook County) Council Manager, Ashonti Jackson, and Administrative Support, Leah M. Armour!
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.
Another WCCI In Touch Interview with Birth to Five Illinois: Region 8
Lou Ann Hayes (Region 8 Council Manager) returns to WCCI to discuss child care as foundational to community and economic well-being, as well as the critical need for more child care options in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties.
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.
Freeport Women Donate Winter Wear
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 8 partners with location organizations to give warm winter wear to young children.
Birth to Five Illinois Case Study: Next Day Animations
Out of their long and successful roster of clients, Birth to Five Illinois was chosen for a Next Day Animation case study!
Birth to Five Illinois Aims for Quality Childcare
Abby Hoskin, Region 47 Council Manager, talks with the Radar Free Press about the role of Birth to Five Illinois in the State’s Early Childhood Education and Care system, and how the Councils in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties are working to address local child care needs.
Birth to Five Illinois Works to Improve Access to Early Childhood Education
This Collinsville Daily News article outlines what Birth to Five Illinois is doing across the State and highlights the biggest challenges families are facing in Madison County.
Report: Elevate Will County - Child Care Provider Grants
Birth to Five Illinois partnered with the Will County Board to develop and administer the Elevate Will County – Child Care Provider Grant using Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) funds that originated from the sale of recreational cannabis. Read the report!
The Rockford Day Nursery Had Been Around Over 100 Years. It Just Abruptly Closed.
Region 4 Council Manager, Livia Bane, was interviewed by NPR about the abrupt closure of the Rockford Day Nursery.
Heritage Shares Details of Planned Decatur Location with Community
Heather Seitz, Region 39 Council Manager serving Macon and Piatt Counties, shares her enthusiasm for the new Heritage Behavioral Health Center location in the Northgate Mall site in Decatur.
Rockford Day Nursery Abruptly Closes
After 100 years, the Rockford Day Nursery is closing its doors. Birth to Five Illinois: Region 4 Council Manager, Livia Bane, says in a statement the ‘abrupt’ closure will have a significant impact on the community.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Hosts the Second Annual Early Childhood Town Hall and Announces the Launch of Every Child Ready Chicago Strategic Framework
The work of Birth to Five Illinois: Region 1-A (City of Chicago) is done in partnership with Every Child Ready Chicago (ECRC). The Mayor’s Office and ECRC hosted their second annual Early Childhood Town Hall, which included the launch of the ECRC Strategic Framework.
Birth to Five Illinois Supports Early Childhood Development in Fulton County
The November 2024 Furgottonia Times™ Report features the work of Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26 (Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler Counties), highlighting a major win for children in Canton and the organization’s recognition of the integral role caregivers play in a child’s development.
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 9 & Region 54 on WBGL Radio
Listen to this WBGL radio interview! Our Regional Council Managers representing Vermilion, Ford, and Champaign Counties talk about the collective impact work their Birth to Five Illinois Councils are leading to better support local children and their families