See what local families say they need for their children across the State
Family Stories
Birth to Five Illinois has created this welcoming space for parents and caregivers to share their family story of ECEC challenges and successes. It is our hope that as families share their stories, we will amplify the disparities in the system so we can work collectively and strategically to mend what is broken, while also celebrating what’s working.
If you have a story to share, please visit our submission page.
It Takes Someone Special to Hear What a Child Cannot Say - Jessica Delmuro
I love being my own kids' advocate. I am not afraid to voice anything for my kids.
Rising from the Ashes: A Journey of Education, Resilience, and Family - Minister Chanel L. Kennedy-Bertrand, MACF, MNA, MSIS, BSCS
Education holds the key to a brighter future, one that is shaped by effort, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to personal growth.
Birth to Five Illinois Was and Is a Great Support for Me and My Children – By Luisa
It is very important to know that as parents we have a voice and that there are organizations like Birth to Five Illinois to support parents and children, because sometimes we think that we are stuck alone.
Thank You for Your Help – By the McClendon Family
As a Black man with a special needs Black child, I feel like this office and especially this person, heard me and helped.
I Felt Very Welcome & Heard – By Anonymous
She gave me so many resources and was very non-judgmental. I felt very welcome and heard.
Surviving Domestic Violence - By Anonymous
No one should ever have to consider staying in a violent situation because escaping doesn’t seem like an option.
Maybe We Will Try Again - By Anonymous
…if my son needed any Mental and Behavioral Health resources, I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea. I would just hope he had a better experience than I did.
Boys Cry Too - By The Dennis Family
What I see in our Region for these resources changes all the time; I am hearing that they are becoming less and less, not growing.
It Takes a Village - By Elizabeth & Family
The services I need most for my family is specialized care that takes public insurance; it’s hard to find in our area, I don't think it exists…
Where Are the Helpers? - By A Tired Parent
Where are the helpers, and why is it so hard to find quality care in our area?
Overstimulation - By Anonymous
Our son was diagnosed with Autism. That's where it stopped. There were no resources or services offered, not even a list of resources.
Why Is It So Challenging to Find Mental Health Services for Children? - By Mandy Bailey
The services my family needs most is being able to get consistent, continuous services so there are no gaps in treatment plans.
I Wish… - By Nicole Bach
My children will say to me "they just don't understand". And you know what? They're right. But I wish they weren't.
The Struggles of a Single Mom - By the Durbin Family
Child care waiting lists are so long, and the cost for public, private, licensed, and/or unlicensed care is wild.
Region 54: What Families Say They Need
"Oftentimes, parents do not know what resources are available, therefore they do not know that their child can get that early start that they deserve."
Region 53: What Families Say They Need
"Child care is expensive out of pocket. Not all families qualify for CCAP due to making too much money but could use the help."
Region 51: What Families Say They Need
"We need more resources in our community to help us understand our community… I want my children to have an education but do not know how to enroll them or where."
Region 50: What Families Say They Need
"Finding a program that had an opening was hard but once they found out that my child had a special need, they would start explaining all the reasons why they wouldn't be the best fit…"
Region 49: What Families Say They Need
"A lot of individuals do not understand how to access or apply for services. These resources are here for you — to help you!"