Spreading the Word as We Strive for Equity
Scroll down to read all Birth to Five Illinois news coverage, or you can click to read the coverage from your Region.
BuildingBN Podcast #93: Birth to Five Illinois’ Melissa Breeden
Melissa Breeden, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 17 Council Manager (DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, and McLean Counties) talks all things Early Childhood Education and Care (child care affordability, workforce development, community building, etc.) on the Building BN podcast.
Dixon's Preschool Offerings to Expand in New Program with 80 Slots, 4 Rooms at Lovett Center and Open Sesame
New ECEC program opens in Region 47! “The ROE 47 partnered with Birth to Five Illinois, a program aimed at improving early childhood education, to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment across the counties, looking to find out if there really was a shortage and if it was negatively affecting those in the community,.”
About 700 Parents in La Salle, Marshall, Putnam Counties Say They Would Work If Child Care Was Available: Study Shows the Economic Boost Would Be Significant
The Regional Office of Education #35 Early Childhood Collaboration used FY24 Birth to Five Illinois funding to create a study to discover how lack of child care impacts the local workforce and economy of La Salle, Marshall, and Putnam Counties. The study shows the economic boost would be significant.
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 24 Feature in the True North February Digital Magazine
True North, a local Grundy County antique shop, featured Birth to Five Illinois in “Tribe”, their February 2025 digital magazine!
Bloomington Woman Plans to Open Inclusive Farmhouse Child Care Center
Melissa Breeden, Region 17 Council Manager representing DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, and McLean Counties, discusses some of the challenges Early Childhood providers face as part of this WGLT article.
The South Suburban News Proudly Presents: The 2025 Black Women of Excellence
The South Suburban News proudly presents the 2025 Black Women of Excellence, which includes Region 1-B-C (South Cook County) Council Manager, Ashonti Jackson, and Administrative Support, Leah M. Armour!
Testimonial: How 211 Helps Our Community
Recommendation 3 in the Region 51 Action Plan is to, “Launch a 211 campaign through United Way that includes social media, community outreach, and enrollment in the 211 system.” Watch Birth to Five Illinois staff member Amber’s testimonial in support of this effort.
Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center (PTIC) Podcast: Ann Oswalt
In this podcast, Ann Oswalt, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 12 Manager and Family Matters Board Member, talks about the importance of Early Intervention, supports for caregivers of children with special needs, the community-centered work of Birth to Five Illinois, and more!
Another WCCI In Touch Interview with Birth to Five Illinois: Region 8
Lou Ann Hayes (Region 8 Council Manager) returns to WCCI to discuss child care as foundational to community and economic well-being, as well as the critical need for more child care options in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties.
Testimonial: How 211 Helps Our Community
Recommendation 3 in the Region 51 Action Plan is to, “Launch a 211 campaign through United Way that includes social media, community outreach, and enrollment in the 211 system.” Watch Family Council member Samantha’s testimonial in support of this effort.
Erin Soto joins Birth to Five Illinois: Region 56 Action Council
Erin Soto, Executive Director of the Family Development Center (FDC) at Governors State University (GovState), has recently been named to the Birth to Five Illinois: Region 56 Action Council, which covers Will County.
Testimonial: How 211 Helps Our Community
Recommendation 3 in the Region 51 Action Plan is to, “Launch a 211 campaign through United Way that includes social media, community outreach, and enrollment in the 211 system.” Watch Action Council member Kendra’s testimonial in support of this effort.
Organizations Meet Tuesday to Discuss Opening Crisis Nursery in Macon County
Senator Doris Turner and Birth to Five Illinois: Region 39 Council Manager, Heather Seitz, hosted a community meeting to build support for opening a crisis nursery in Macon County.
Improving Early Childhood Education in Forgottonia with Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26
In this podcast, all three members of the Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26 Team share how they are addressing Early Childhood Education challenges in rural areas by collaborating with schools, families, and local organizations.
Organizations Exploring Options to Create Crisis Nursery in Macon County
As part of their Regional Action Plan, the Region 39 Councils are working to create a crisis nursery in Macon County. Watch this news segment featuring interviews with Heather Seitz, Region 39 Council Manager, and Senator Doris Turner. To learn more, there will be a Community Meeting on January 28, 2025, at the Decatur Public Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Freeport Women Donate Winter Wear
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 8 partners with location organizations to give warm winter wear to young children.
Birth to Five Illinois Case Study: Next Day Animations
Out of their long and successful roster of clients, Birth to Five Illinois was chosen for a Next Day Animation case study!
Birth to Five Illinois Aims for Quality Childcare
Abby Hoskin, Region 47 Council Manager, talks with the Radar Free Press about the role of Birth to Five Illinois in the State’s Early Childhood Education and Care system, and how the Councils in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties are working to address local child care needs.
Birth to Five Illinois Works to Improve Access to Early Childhood Education
This Collinsville Daily News article outlines what Birth to Five Illinois is doing across the State and highlights the biggest challenges families are facing in Madison County.
Report: Elevate Will County - Child Care Provider Grants
Birth to Five Illinois partnered with the Will County Board to develop and administer the Elevate Will County – Child Care Provider Grant using Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) funds that originated from the sale of recreational cannabis. Read the report!