Birth to Five Illinois Supports Early Childhood Development in Fulton County

Original coverage The Forgottonia Times™ Report on page 6.

In a committed effort to reshape the early childhood education landscape in Illinois, Birth to Five Illinois has been making significant strides within Fulton County. This initiative, launched in 2022, aims to amplify community voices and enhance access to high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services across the state.

Birth to Five Illinois is built upon the premise that every child deserves equitable access to educational resources from birth until they start kindergarten. Paul Larson, the Regional Council Manager for District 26, which includes Fulton County, emphasizes the initiative's focus on understanding local needs. "We're trying to amplify family voice and have that be the bedrock of our community around anything related to early childhood and care," Larson stated in a past interview with Tri States Public Radio. This grassroots approach aims to ensure that families have a say in the policies and programs that directly impact their children.

Community Councils operate within the 39 designated regions of Illinois. Each council gathers feedback from families to inform decisionmakers about the specific ECEC services required in their communities. In Fulton County, the need for increased home providers has been identified as a priority, with many families needing to travel outside of the area to get the proper care and insight that the families and children need.

The organization's efforts in Canton have led to tangible outcomes. One notable project supported by Birth to Five Illinois is the newly established Trinity Lutheran Church Sensory Place. Opened in June of this year, this facility caters to children with autism and sensory processing disorders. Pastor Micah Garnett shared his vision for the sensory space, stating, "It's a way where we can try to offer resources for people... when you can't get to the therapists." The sensory place provides local families with access to resources that were previously out of reach, highlighting Birth to Five Illinois' commitment to expanding local support networks for early childhood development.

The organization also focuses on reshaping perceptions of early childhood education, recognizing the integral role that caregivers play in a child's development. McKee noted, "There's not a difference between early childhood education and a child playing and growing. Those things are intertwined." This perspective encourages families to view everyday interactions and play as vital components of early education, fostering a supportive environment for learning.

Birth to Five Illinois is poised to influence policy and funding opportunities at the local, regional, and state levels, addressing the current problems with distribution of resources. As they continue to engage with families and gather feedback, the initiative is making significant progress toward creating a brighter future for young children in Fulton County and beyond.

For more information about Birth to Five Illinois and their initiatives, visit their website or contact the District 26 office in Canton to share your insights and experiences regarding early childhood education.