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.
Region 3: What Families Say They Need
"My child, who is three years old, has had six different child care settings due to closures and staff turnover."
Region 1-B-D: What Families Say They Need
"Children with special needs are further at a disadvantage in receiving services in a preschool setting with the slot gap with the slot gap because of number of slots, splitting time between schools, and transportation issues."
Region 1-B-C: What Families Say They Need
"I decided to stay out of work, because I was going to be working just to pay for child care."
Region 1-B-B: What Families Say They Need
"…information is vital to ensuring there is equity in the allocation of resources throughout the Region…"
Region 1-A: What Families Say They Need
“…many programs are just not designed for the lives of families…”
Region 1: What Families Say They Need
"We really need to look at supporting working families and their essential need for affordable child care."
A Parent’s Perspective on Children’s Mental Illness: Liza Long
“Until people are willing to put their names on these stories, this isn’t real.”
Is It Any Wonder? - By Anonymous
…when someone asks me “how did you do it?” I do not have an answer.
Good, Dependable, Affordable Child Care is Pretty Much Nonexistent – By Breanna Kobus
Knowing it would be next to impossible to find a sitter that could handle his condition and his colostomy bag, I kept him in the salon while I worked, which wasn’t always easy.
Wyatt’s Story – By Anonymous
Our Birth to Three program has been wonderful in helping us get the services we need and making sure Wyatt is ready to start Pre-K…
Son with Special Needs without Any Services – By Anonymous
They just said we were on a waitlist for that intervention, and nothing ever happened.
Sitting, Waiting, and Wishing - By Jessica Wilson
Time has not been on our side. It feels like we are wasting the most crucial time of development in his life.
Path for Success – Ashely Morse
ECSE preschool is an important part of my son’s life and in my opinion, imperative to success in early education.
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.
Inclusive Care for All Children - By Aurea Garvin
All children deserve a chance to grow, learn, and thrive regardless of how much their parents make.
Signs of Child Care Mistreatment
The first day of child care can either be a dream or a nightmare…
Delaying Services Through Lack of Referral - By Mackenzie McWade
The doctor’s dismissal of any issue was enough to make me feel like I was being paranoid…
The Road Less Traveled to Transition - By Dena Chapman
…while children are matriculating through their transitions, so too are their parents and caregivers!
What We Need - Danielle Jackson
It is cheaper for me to drive 1,100 miles a month to take my kids to my family to watch them…
Pros/Cons of My Child’s Experience with Early Childhood – By Tiffany McSpadden
I feel the longer kids engage in learning, the better off they will be.