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
- Alexander
- Boone
- Champaign
- Cook
- Cook (South)
- Crawford
- DeKalb
- DeWitt
- DuPage
- Earlville
- Fulton
- Geneseo
- Georgetown
- Greene
- Hamburg
- Hamilton
- Henderson
- Henry
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Kane
- Kankakee
- Lake
- LaSalle
- Lawrence
- Macoupin
- Madison
- Marion
- Massac
- McLean
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Ogle
- Pike
- Pittsfield
- Pulaski
- Richland
- Rock Island
- Scott
- St. Clair
- Stark
- Urbana
- Vermilion
- Washington
- Williamson
- Winnebago
A Mother's Choice: Finding the Perfect Balance in Child Care and Career – By Brittany Nielsen
I know firsthand how hard it is to trust others with your child, and now, as a leader in early childhood education, I strive to create an environment where parents feel safe, heard, and supported—because I’ve been in their shoes.
Collaborative Community – By Alnette Smith
A collaborative community is so important and helpful to our children who are the future of our country.
Supporting Families & Empowering Kids - By Anonymous
Everyone involved— from the staff to the therapists— was incredibly nice and supportive, which made the process smooth and reassuring for both my daughter and me.
Family Council Impact: Region 17
“I’ve been able to volunteer and give back.”
Our Village, Our Journey: Embracing the Adventure of Family and Growth – by Kelly Brooks
Although Joy is different from the other members of our village adventure, she has opened our hearts and minds to a new perspective on life.
Family Council Impact: Region 13
“Having my teacher parent perspective was just really important...”
Family Council Impact: Region 17
“I really wanted to draw on my own experiences…to advocate for children and families across Illinois.”
Family Council Impact: Region 12
“I thought it would be a really good way to give myself and families like mine a voice in the community.”
It Takes Someone Special to Hear What a Child Cannot Say - Jessica Delmuro
I love being my own kids' advocate. I am not afraid to voice anything for my kids.
Creating Our Own Support System - By Anonymous
It has been heart breaking to be questioned by professionals, told what they can offer is not what we want or that we have the “best” provider they can offer despite it not aligning with our values for care.
It Takes An Army – By Tateana
I've tried to put my daughter in daycare, but they all had a waiting list.
Rising from the Ashes: A Journey of Education, Resilience, and Family - Minister Chanel L. Kennedy-Bertrand, MACF, MNA, MSIS, BSCS
Education holds the key to a brighter future, one that is shaped by effort, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to personal growth.
Enhancing Minds of Children – By Arielle Clady
My family has had an amazing experience with Early Childhood Education and Care services, because we aim to have skilled children in the community.
Birth to Five Illinois Was and Is a Great Support for Me and My Children – By Luisa
It is very important to know that as parents we have a voice and that there are organizations like Birth to Five Illinois to support parents and children, because sometimes we think that we are stuck alone.
The Oz – By The Williams
A recent update to his IEP (Individualized Education Plan) noted that he is now 'chatty,' having evolved from being non-verbal to possessing impressive reading, writing, and math skills, as well as the ability to engage in full conversations.
Family Council Impact: Region 13
“As a father, as a man, I don’t think about this stuff.”
Family Council Impact: Region 4
“I am a parent and grandparent…I want to promote equal representation in my community.”
Family Council Impact: Region 13
“I love that there's a community that is giving us a chance as parents to have a voice in what can help us.”
Family Council Impact: Region 13
“I heard it was a really good place to voice your concerns, voice any way that you can help, and I really wanted to be a part of something like that.”
Family Council Impact: Region 4
“I think that the best part for me is in our meetings realizing that I’m not the only one. I’m not alone.”
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 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 28
“We have brought a lot of awareness to families of programs.”
Family Council Impact: Region 13
“I’m a young mom and I try my best every day.”
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.