
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.

Educational Love - By Anonymous
Early Childhood Education has been a huge blessing to my child and myself.

17 Years Searching for Quality Child Care, and Still More to Go! - By Anonymous
We have also had instances where one child was at a home-based child care center in one part of the county, and another one was at a different home-based child care center simply because there weren't openings for both of them in the same place or any others.

All-in Advocacy - By Lisa Burnett (Mother to Livia Bane, Region 4 Council Manager)
When the cry for help came to encourage lawmakers to continue to fund child care and providers, my family and I were all-in.

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.

Finding Day Care - By Erica Hanke-Young
I feel like the thing we need most is information on child care early enough for us to make a plan. I will need information and enough time to figure out what to do for our family.

First Experiences as New Parents in a New Environment - By Grace Keller, Levi Alexander, and Walker Alexander
Finding the Birth to Five Illinois Family Council has been the greatest success in helping me start my journey as a mother and to find quality care for our son.

Providers Need Love Too! - By Jasmine Castro
My greatest success has been the EXCEPTIONAL experiences my toddler has had with his provider.

Lack of Reliable Child Care - By Kelley
Six years later, I still have not returned to the workforce because of issues with child care.

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.

The Advocacy Fight for Children with Challenges - By Jacqueline S.
It's exhausting trying to make ends meet when we're essentially being penalized for having a child with special needs.

Long-Distance Child Care - By Cheyenne Camden
My greatest challenge is child care. It prohibits me from working full time.

Single Stay-At-Home-Mother of 4 - By Kaitlin Heinz
My family definitely needs trustworthy and high-quality child care that is affordable! There is virtually NO OPTION in my town!

The Balancing Act of Child Care and Work, With No Options - By Anonymous
I need access to child care in our area, quality child care that is open actual working hours and has the ability to take school-age children, even if they have days off from school.

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.

Searching for Early Childhood Education and Services is Nonstop - By Ashley Omlor
When we moved here seven years ago, I never thought it would be a challenge to find preschools, child cares, and family services.

Educated and Willing to Work! - By Katelyn Wilfong
It was nearly impossible with being a stay-at-home mom and not having child care. Now that I have a degree, I cannot use it.

Foster Care Equality - By C.
To begrudge a child a place in child care based off being in the foster care system is preposterous!