Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53 seeks to revolutionize child care, education at the local level
October 26, 2022
By Madelyn Norman, original article appeared in Courier Newspapers
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53 has been tasked with transforming the childcare system in Illinois–but the organization needs parents’ help to make this goal possible. Following the establishment of the Early Childhood Funding Commission in 2019, Birth to Five Illinois was formed and is currently organizing 39 statewide councils to identify early learning and early childhood needs at the local level.
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53 covers Tazewell, Mason and Woodford counties and is reimagining a more equitable Early Childhood Education and Care system. Residents of these three rural counties often face difficulties gaining access to services such as childcare availability and educational programs.
There are nearly 13,000 children under the age of six in the Region 53 area, but only 2,705 slots were reported for childcare in 2020. In addition, of the population under age six, 34% of them are living below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53 is working towards sending a Regional Scan, which is similar to a community needs assessment, to state officials to minimize these issues. This Regional Scan will request specific improvements to the education and childcare systems, as well as influence local policy and create funding opportunities.
In combination with statistical data, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53 is gathering parents from Tazewell, Mason and Woodford counties to form a Family Council, in which they can share critical input regarding the needs of their children.
“What works in one region may or may not work in another region,” said Felicia Farden, Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53. “It’s a zeroed in approachthis is what our region needs.”
The Family Council is currently lacking representation from several groups, including members of minoritized populations, parents who had their children as teenagers, single parents, members of the faith community and fathers.
“We’re looking for underrepresented voices–voices that we don’t really hear from. T hose, we need to amplify,” Farden said.
Parents who serve on the Family Council will attend meetings, either virtually or in person, with the goal of overcoming challenges and creating solutions for families in the area. Council members will be given a stipend for their valuable time spent in meetings or doing community work.
Please visit www.birthtof iveil.com/region53 to fill out a Family Council interest form, subscribe to the newsletter, and receive more information about Birth to Five Illinois: Region 53. To contact Felicia Farden, messages can be sent directly through a form located on the website or by reaching her at (309) 270-5670. With any questions about Family Council, contact Family and Community Engagement Specialist Britney Logue at (309) 603-2116.