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.
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.
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
Champion of Early Childhood Education Awards Honor Outstanding Educators in Rock Island County
One of the recommendations in the Region 49 (Rock Island County) Action Plan is to optimize the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workforce. One goal the Council established to support this recommendation was to launch a community recognition program for Early Childhood Teachers, aiming to recognize six outstanding teachers by the end of December 2024. The inaugural Champion of Early Childhood Education Awards go to…
Official Says More Action Needed in Early Childhood Reform
Janice Crow, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 20 Council Manager, attends the Harrisburg City Council meeting to provide updates on the efforts to reshape Early Childhood Education and Care in Southern Illinois.
Birth to Five Illinois and Alignment Rockford
“A robust Early Childhood infrastructure, similar to adequate housing or a favorable job market, is not merely a social concern but an economic imperative.” - Livia Bane, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 4 Council Manager
Crawford County Kids Association Makes Moves in Child Care
Birth to Five Illinois is thrilled to have had a part in funding the Crawford County Kids Association, allowing them the opportunity to create an amazing organization that has worked tirelessly to elevate the need for quality Early Childhood Education and Care and raise funds to build a much needed child care center.
WCCI In Touch Interview with Lou Ann Hayes from Birth to Five Illinois: Region 8
Lou Ann Hayes returns to WCCI to discuss how her Team and community Councils have moved the needle on the needs and recommendations in their Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment.
How Does Poverty Affect Students in East St. Louis? Here are 5 Things to Know
At an in-person event with East St. Louis community members, educators, elected officials, and others, Stephanie Herling, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 50 Council Manager, discussed the top Early Childhood and Mental and Behavioral Health needs identified across St. Clair County and East St. Louis.
WICS Live Broadcast: Interview with Region 51 Council Manager
Ashley Earles, Region 51 Council Manager, was LIVE on WICS News Channel 20 discussing how a lack of awareness of the available healthcare services is a barrier for local families.
Freepod Interviews Lou Ann Hayes
FREEPOD and TimBeck2 host Tim Connors speaks with Lou Ann Hayes of Birth to Five Illinois in Freeport, a statewide organization providing equitable access to inclusive, high-quality Early Childhood services for all children and families in Illinois.
Home Visitation Services Fill Gaps in Mental Health Care in Rural Communities
Felicia Farden (Region 53 Council Manager) and Kari Clark (Region 48 Council Manager) discuss some of the findings in their Regional Early Childhood Needs Assessments: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health.