Birth to 5 Illinois Region 32 outlines early‑childhood needs for Kankakee and Iroquois counties, seeks council members

Liz Gibson, regional council manager for Birth to 5 Illinois Region 32, told the board the regional office covers Kankakee and Iroquois counties and has produced a local early‑childhood needs assessment and regional action plan. "We support the mobilization of our communities so we can build and sustain equitable access to inclusive high quality early childhood services for all children in the state of Illinois," Gibson said.

Gibson described two prioritized recommendations for the region: (1) establish a centralized community network for early‑childhood information and referrals to increase awareness and access, and (2) expand awareness and wraparound mental and behavioral health supports for families and professionals who work with young children. She said the regional office does not provide direct services but works through local partners to implement solutions and that reports and data specific to Kankakee and Iroquois counties are available in handouts provided to the board.

Gibson invited board members and community partners to apply to the region’s Action and Family Councils; interest forms are being accepted through Sept. 5 and the region maintains a local office in Bradley, Illinois. She encouraged continued collaboration with local stakeholders and noted Birth to 5 Illinois supports implementation of the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood at the state level with local input.

Board members received the presentation; no vote was required.