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See what local families say they need for their children across the State
Family Stories
Birth to Five Illinois is on a mission to shift the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) landscape across Illinois by centering the voices and experiences of families. Where there are families, there are stories: stories of bureaucracy and systemic shortcomings, and stories of families and children thriving in the face of compassionate providers and exemplary services. We are here for it all!
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.
![Is Anyone Really Out There to Help – By Sinah Gosnell ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1687793613801-2GMYV43KB2AKFF3GCR96/64C728EB-1B88-49EE-9E6D-5CECEE662B23.jpeg)
Is Anyone Really Out There to Help – By Sinah Gosnell
What we need most are people who will listen and tell us where to find services.
![Early Childhood and Beyond - By Krystle Huelsmann](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1682109797089-PSVM5YDB7O4C3NDC90HX/krystle.jpg)
Early Childhood and Beyond - By Krystle Huelsmann
I want to know which programs are best for different diagnosis, what child care options support those with diagnoses, and how to navigate through the financial ends of each; those would be my top searches.
![Early Intervention is Key! - By Ashley Scott](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1675267214621-6Q7OFZJO8W2PQR6ASPKG/Ashley+Scott-+My+Story.jpg)
Early Intervention is Key! - By Ashley Scott
All I have is positivity for what these programs can do to help our children.
![Our Early Intervention - By Alexis Leathers](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1682021577047-ZC8BBA9FRH8K366OXINW/alexis.jpeg)
Our Early Intervention - By Alexis Leathers
They went above and beyond to make sure we were able to connect to community programs that would help our family financially.
![Your Voice is Important - By Beth Ward](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1680550563580-JQP6IOFT13Q3D8OG8RBP/BethWard.jpeg)
Your Voice is Important - By Beth Ward
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their clinical diagnosis.