Pike County Child Care Task Force

03/10/2026

We cannot wait to see you tonight from 6:00–8:00 PM at John Wood Community College – Southeast Education Center! 39637 260th Ave. Pittsfield, IL 62363

Remember — this is a come-and-go event.
Stop in for 20 minutes or stay the whole time. No presentations. No pressure. Just connection, appreciation, and resources built for YOU.

✨ Mingle with other providers
✨ Enjoy a tasty meal from Courtyard Cafe
✨ Explore resource tables
✨ Share ideas
✨ Pick up some swag
✨ Child care is available

And don’t forget — the first 30 who RSVP'ed will receive a $30 Walmart gift card when you check in at the front desk!

If you’ve been thinking about coming… this is your sign.
Child care providers deserve community and support.

We’ll see you tonight 💛 Still want to come, but did not RSVP. That's ok, just drop by, you can register at the front desk.

We will continue monitoring the weather throughout the day. Please use your best judgment regarding travel and safety. We completely understand if conditions prevent you from attending.

03/07/2026

🌟One of the best parts of Provider Palooza?🌟
The resource tables built just for YOU.

Here’s who you’ll be able to connect with:

John Wood Community College – Explore pathways to earn or continue your Early Childhood Education credentials.

West Central Child Care Connection – Learn how they can support you in becoming (or strengthening your work as) a family child care provider.

Birth to Five Illinois – Discover how they advocate for and support providers across our region.

Child and Family Connections – Get information about early intervention services and child screenings.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Mental health resources for children and families in our community.

Two Rivers Regional Council – Workforce development programs and regional supports.

Clean Restoration – Information about smoke detector installation for family child care homes.

Our local libraries – Program materials, family resources, and support for literacy.

This is your chance to build relationships, ask questions, and walk away with real, practical support.

If you care about strengthening child care in Pike County, this room is where you want to be.

Don’t miss it. 💛 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/H8kXBRTQfu

03/03/2026

✨ Provider Palooza is almost here! ✨

This is not a sit-and-listen event.
This is the best part of a conference — the exhibit hall.

✔️ Come-and-go between 6–8 PM
✔️ Stay 20 minutes or stay the whole time
✔️ Mingle with other providers
✔️ Share ideas and experiences
✔️ Learn about resources in Pike County
✔️ Grab some swag

No long presentations.
No pressure.
Just connection, appreciation, and support for the incredible work you do.

If you’ve been on the fence — this is your sign. We’d love to see you there. 💛

RSVP today! ✨ Provider Palooza is almost here! ✨

This is not a sit-and-listen event.
This is the best part of a conference — the exhibit hall.

✔️ Come-and-go between 6–8 PM
✔️ Stay 20 minutes or stay the whole time
✔️ Mingle with other providers
✔️ Share ideas and experiences
✔️ Learn about resources in Pike County
✔️ Grab some swag

No long presentations.
No pressure.
Just connection, appreciation, and support for the incredible work you do.

If you’ve been on the fence — this is your sign. We’d love to see you there. 💛

RSVP today! https://forms.office.com/r/H8kXBRTQfu

02/27/2026

Future Child Care Providers - Have you ever thought about working in child care or opening a child care program? Provider Palooza is a great place to start.

This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about child care careers, what it takes to get started, and what resources are available locally to support you along the way. You will have the chance to connect with experienced providers, learn about next steps, and even enjoy some door prizes.

If child care is something you are curious about or considering for your future, we would love to have you join us.

✨ Bonus: The first 30 people to RSVP will receive a $30 gift card, thanks to a generous donation from West Central Child Care Connection.

📅 March 10, 2026
📍 JWCC Building, Pittsfield (on Highway 54 in the industrial park, before the airport)
⏰ 6–8 pm

👉 RSVP using the QR code or link and come see what is possible. https://forms.office.com/r/H8kXBRTQfu

02/26/2026

PreK Screenings are happening soon! Call the office to schedule your appointment today.

02/25/2026

02/20/2026

Current Child Care Providers - You show up every day for children and families, and Provider Palooza is all about celebrating you and supporting the important work you are doing right now.

This event will bring together local resources that can help strengthen your program, support your business, and connect you with others who understand the realities of child care. You will also enjoy door prizes, resource items, and a night dedicated to appreciation and connection with fellow providers.

Come recharge, connect, and be celebrated.

✨ Bonus: The first 30 people to RSVP will receive a $30 gift card, thanks to a generous donation from West Central Child Care Connection.

📅 March 10, 2026
📍 JWCC Building, Pittsfield (on Highway 54 in the industrial park, before the airport)
⏰ 6–8 pm

👉 RSVP using the QR code or link. You deserve this night.

02/16/2026

💛 Community Partners – We Need You! 💛 Provider Palooza is coming up on March 10th, and we’re building a strong lineup of community resource tables to support Pike County child care providers.

We currently have around 10 organizations committed and are hoping to round out the event with 1–2 additional partners whose work supports young children, families, and the early childhood workforce.

Confirmed partners include:
✨ Early Intervention (screenings & supports)
✨ NAMI (mental health resources)
✨ West Central Child Care Connection (licensing & program support)
✨ John Wood Community College (education pathways)
✨Two Rivers Regional Council (workforce supports)
…and more.

If your organization provides services connected to early childhood, family support, workforce development, health, safety, or community resources, we would love for you to let us know you’re interested.

Space is limited, and final selections will be based on alignment with the purpose of the event.

Interested? Send us a message or email pikecountychildcare@gmail.com with a short description of your organization and what you would offer at a table.

Together, we can build a stronger child care system in Pike County. 🌱

02/15/2026

Let them be kids ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜

02/13/2026

Past Child Care Providers - You helped build the foundation for children, families, and communities in Pike County. 💛 Now it is our turn to celebrate you.

Provider Palooza is a night of appreciation for the care, time, and heart you poured into early childhood. Join us for an evening filled with recognition, connection, door prizes, and meaningful conversation. This is also a space for you to share your story and reflect on the impact of the work you have done, because your contributions still matter.

Whether you provided care years ago or more recently, we would love to honor you and say thank you.

✨ Bonus: The first 30 people to RSVP will receive a $30 gift card, thanks to a generous donation from West Central Child Care Connection.

📅 March 10, 2026
📍 JWCC Building, Pittsfield (on Highway 54 in the industrial park, before the airport)
⏰ 6–8 pm

👉 RSVP using the QR code or link. We hope you will join us for a well-deserved celebration.

02/09/2026

This is exactly why child care matters so much. 💛

Here in Pike County, our center-based and home-based child care providers are shaping children’s early experiences every single day. Through relationships, routines, play, and care, they help young children learn how to feel safe, curious, confident, and connected.

The work our providers do reaches far beyond the classroom or child care home. It influences how children learn, how they regulate emotions, how they build relationships, and how they see themselves in the world. When we support and value child care providers, we are investing directly in the future of our children, families, and communities.

We are grateful for the heart, skill, and dedication our providers bring to this critical work.

90% of a child’s brain develops before age 5.

Early childhood educators shape how kids see the world and who they become. Imagine if we were paid what we’re truly worth for making such a big difference.🫨