our call to action
Did You Know?
Sources: IECAM 2020,, Risk and Reach Report 2019
"Between birth and 5 years old, 90 percent of a child’s brain development occurs, and at a lightning-fast pace. Every sight, smell, sound and sensation makes an impact. Long before most children step foot into a classroom, neurons are building networks, cognition is exploding, language is developing, and the foundations are being laid for a lifetime of learning." (Dr. Bill Frist- Too Small to Fail)
THE PROBLEM
Research continues to demonstrate the importance of babies and young children getting what they need to grow and develop . When this does not happen, it can have a long lasting negative impact on their future success later in life. Unfortunately, there are a number of systemic barriers that prevents this from happening.
The 2019 Illinois Risk and Reach Report is a set of data tools that includes a comprehensive analysis of child well-being indicators in relation to state investments in three domains: Family Stability, Health, and Early Care and Education. The data does not paint a positive picture for young children in southern Illinois .
There are not enough programs/ services to meet the needs of children and famlies in the region. Some programs closed during the pandemic and never reopened. As a result of a dwindling workforce, the capacity of other programs has been reduced resulting in enrollment levels below capacity. Children in the smaller towns and incorporated areas do not have access to the same resources as their counterparts living in the larger communities. And families needing child care are facing rising costs, forcing them to make alternate arrangements that may not be in the best interest of their young children.
THE PROBLEM
Research continues to demonstrate the importance of babies and young children getting what they need to grow and develop . When this does not happen, it can have a long lasting negative impact on their future success later in life. Unfortunately, there are a number of systemic barriers that prevents this from happening.
The 2019 Illinois Risk and Reach Report is a set of data tools that includes a comprehensive analysis of child well-being indicators in relation to state investments in three domains: Family Stability, Health, and Early Care and Education. The data does not paint a positive picture for young children in southern Illinois .
There are not enough programs/ services to meet the needs of children and famlies in the region. Some programs closed during the pandemic and never reopened. As a result of a dwindling workforce, the capacity of other programs has been reduced resulting in enrollment levels below capacity. Children in the smaller towns and incorporated areas do not have access to the same resources as their counterparts living in the larger communities. And families needing child care are facing rising costs, forcing them to make alternate arrangements that may not be in the best interest of their young children.
our solution
Coalition members believe that ALL children should have access to the programs and services they need to succeed. To help make this happen, Coalition members are working together to create and sustain an infrastructure that provides a continuous pipeline of educational opportunities for children ages birth through five, along with the necessary support services for their families. Utilizing an intentional and well-coordinated approach, the goal is to increase access to available programs and services and identify and fill in gaps.