Region 51: What Families Say They Need 

Category: WorkforceRegion: Region 51Category: Resources & SupportsCategory: ECEC Slots
Written By Maggie Koller

In 2023, Birth to Five Illinois produced Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessments. These reports include both publicly available quantitative data and qualitative data from caregivers, Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals, and other community stakeholders collected through Birth to Five Illinois Action Council and Family Council meetings, focus groups, interviews, community meetings, and surveys.

Throughout the process, regional barriers to accessing ECEC services were documented, and recommendations were developed based on the identified needs of families. These images provide an overview of the key needs in Region 51 (Sangamon & Menard Counties), accompanied by quotes that amplify community voice.

Image of Illinois with Region 51 highlighted. Text, “What do families say in needed in your Region?”
Image of a child hugging an adult. Quote to emphasize need for increased staffing recruitment, “...a lot of ECEC providers are at retirement age...We will have an even bigger shortage of teachers in one to two years.”
Image of an adult and child. Quote to emphasize need for increased resources and supports, “We need more resources in our community to help us understand...I want my children to have an education but do not know how to enroll them or where.”
Image of Illinois with Region 51 highlighted. Text, “Get Involved. Share Your Voice. www.birthtofiveil.com/region51.”
Maggie Koller
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Region 53: What Families Say They Need 
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Region 50: What Families Say They Need