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Spreading the word as we strive for equity
![Baby Steps: Here’s What We Can Do to Make Child Care More Available, Affordable](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1693950413335-R8DDLYVABWKCJ6VI68KR/pexels-zino-bang-54536.jpg)
Baby Steps: Here’s What We Can Do to Make Child Care More Available, Affordable
This article in Community Word connects recent federal child care policy to state Smart Start funding to findings in the Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment for Region 48 (Peoria County) to local families’ needs and recommendations for improving early childhood services.
![Crisis in Child Care: How Can We Leave These Kids Behind?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1693951127875-9RWG652KQOSKK126MTZ6/andre-taissin-4HpdXcMXfJM-unsplash.jpg)
Crisis in Child Care: How Can We Leave These Kids Behind?
“KJ and Jennifer are two of more than 15,000 families in metro Peoria coping with the two main obstacles for parents with jobs outside the home: affordability and availability of child care.” See how data from the Region 48 Early Childhood Needs Assessment pairs with challenges for local families.
![New Report Identifies Key Needs to Improve Childcare Access in Greater Peoria](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1692374334087-Y551KSKPDGCT7PYTRNL1/f%2526K.jpg)
New Report Identifies Key Needs to Improve Childcare Access in Greater Peoria
Read and/or listen to a WCBU interview with Kari Clark and Felicia Farden, the Regional Managers overseeing Peoria, Mason, Tazewell, and Woodford counties for Birth to Five Illinois!
New ‘Birth to Five’ Report Highlights Gaps in Central Illinois Child Care
Watch and read the interview with Kari Clark, Region 48 Council Manager, and Felicia Farden, Region 53 Council Manager, on 25 News Now!
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![A New Statewide System Seeks to Improve Access and Equity around Early Childhood Education and Care](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61ba6b3017614378f01ce468/1667351874331-BGBTSTRIY2UDLU8H90SV/pexels-gustavo-fring-4172981.jpg)
A New Statewide System Seeks to Improve Access and Equity around Early Childhood Education and Care
"We need to hear from everybody so we can make sure that we're partnering with you to really advocate for what you need.”