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 1
- Region 1-A
- Region 1-B-B
- Region 1-B-C
- Region 1-B-D
- Region 3
- Region 4
- Region 8
- Region 9
- Region 11
- Region 12
- Region 13
- Region 16
- Region 17
- Region 19
- Region 20
- Region 21
- Region 24
- Region 26
- Region 28
- Region 30
- Region 31
- Region 32
- Region 33
- Region 34
- Region 35
- Region 39
- Region 40
- Region 41
- Region 44
- Region 45
- Region 47
- Region 48
- Region 49
- Region 50
- Region 51
- Region 53
- Region 54
Family Council Impact: Region 17
“As a stay at home mom, I’ve learned a lot of things that my kids are not missing but that they needed help with.”
Family Council Impact: Region 13
“I’m a young mom and I try my best every day.”
Therapy is Not a Dirty Word – By Ashley Hurn
Therapy is not a dirty word. If children need it and have access to it, let them get the therapy.
Family Council Impact: Region 28
“We have brought a lot of awareness to families of programs.”
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.
Everyone Deserves to Be Treated with Respect - By Sara Farmer
There needs to be more of a support system in place for parents and their children.
Needing to Help Our Children - Even Through the State – By Kaitlin Perkins
Her therapist left at the end of July and the only options that Early Intervention could offer us were video appointments or traveling further than we wanted.
Small Group – By Heather Alexander
A safe space to engage...
We Need More Attention on Mental Health in Early Childhood Education & Care Settings – By Anonymous
We also need child care options equipped to offer support for students who have mental or behavioral health concerns.
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.
Em's Story – By Anonymous
Parental support during any IEP meeting by a professional on the family's side and the child should be mandatory.
Still Waiting – By Can’t Wait
Crucial time and progress are being lost.
Why is Postpartum a Secret? - By Alissa & Family
I don’t understand why postpartum isn’t discussed during prenatal appointments, why it isn’t shared that this is something very real that can happen to anyone.
Surviving Domestic Violence - By Anonymous
No one should ever have to consider staying in a violent situation because escaping doesn’t seem like an option.
School Phobia - By Anonymous
Through school directives, my family has struggled through the Mental and Behavioral Health world.
Reach Out & Get the Help You Need, Don’t Try to Fight this Battle Alone - By Breanna Puckett-Woods
I’m sharing my story to hopefully encourage someone that may be experiencing the same or similar situation to reach out and get help.
How to Navigate Accessing Services - By The Wiley Family
I had no idea where to look for counseling services aside from "googling it".
There is No Shame, Only Pain When You Don't Help Yourself - By Lakeisha Johnson Lowe
One day I advocated for myself at the doctor's office, and I started taking medications so that I could help control my emotions and take care of my children.
Support Before Crisis - By Adoptive, Single Mom Looking for Mental Health Support for Multiple Children Affected by Trauma
The reality shared with me is unless you have a connection or crisis, nobody under the age of 8 can access a psychiatrist in Illinois. If true, this shortage forces families into unimaginable situations and creates a pattern of struggle for children that is difficult to escape.
Maybe We Will Try Again - By Anonymous
…if my son needed any Mental and Behavioral Health resources, I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea. I would just hope he had a better experience than I did.
Boys Cry Too - By The Dennis Family
What I see in our Region for these resources changes all the time; I am hearing that they are becoming less and less, not growing.
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…
Normalizing Mental & Behavioral Health Supports – By A Latina Mom of Multiple Children & Parent of Diverse Learners
Though we approached the support as part of normal health care routines, our conservative Latino family were very judgmental and didn't agree with our choice due to the stigma that surrounds this topic.
Where Are the Helpers? - By A Tired Parent
Where are the helpers, and why is it so hard to find quality care in our area?
Overstimulation - By Anonymous
Our son was diagnosed with Autism. That's where it stopped. There were no resources or services offered, not even a list of resources.
Why Is It So Challenging to Find Mental Health Services for Children? - By Mandy Bailey
The services my family needs most is being able to get consistent, continuous services so there are no gaps in treatment plans.
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…