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.
Enhancing Minds of Children – By Arielle Clady
My family has had an amazing experience with Early Childhood Education and Care services, because we aim to have skilled children in the community.
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.
Epilepsy – By Marisa
From the moment we connected with this organization, we felt seen, heard, and supported.
The Journey – By Elizabeth Scott
After just days of working in child care, I fell in love.
Grateful for The Preschool For All Program – By Single Parent of Six
...I will be forever grateful to our Preschool Teacher for providing my children with a safe and welcoming place to learn, play, and grow.
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.
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…
Searching For a Village - By Gretchen
We are very grateful for a supportive school system and resource-rich community that can deliver support services in school groups…
Educational Love - By Anonymous
Early Childhood Education has been a huge blessing to my child and myself.
Providers Need Love Too! - By Jasmine Castro
My greatest success has been the EXCEPTIONAL experiences my toddler has had with his provider.
With Open Arms - By Birth to Five Illinois: Region 4 Staff
Lisa’s energy for providing quality child care and good jobs within her community is inspiring.
Shelli Badger, Someone You Should Know! - By David
I have been fortunate enough to work closely with an exceptional Speech and Language provider in our school district, #129.
The Love That Sparked My Passion - By Brittany Lemons
I still see her smiling face in pictures and wonder about all the many lives she's touched with her kindness.
Early Intervention is Key! - By Ashley Scott
All I have is positivity for what these programs can do to help our children.
Just When I Think My Work as Grandma is Slowing Down, They Start to Call Me Great - By Sandy Hyde
Our area needs more support for grandparents raising grandchildren. We also need more activities for children of all ages to do.
A Lucky Child Care & Preschool Experience - By Brittany Lemons
I wish all children could experience that type of care and education in our region; all children deserve continuous quality care.