Bright Start

Bright Start services are offered to the parents of children from birth to 36 months who live in Macon County. Bright Start's goal is to support parents in being actively involved in their child's development. We believe that parents are the first and most important teachers in children's lives.

Parents have a unique opportunity to enhance a child's ability to learn during these crucial years. In fact, research shows that positive learning experiences during the early years can affect a child's ability to succeed in school.

Bright Start is a certified Parents As Teachers Program and funded by the Illinois State Board of Education.  All services are provided at no charge to the family.

GET THE BRIGHT START NEWSLETTER EVERY MONTH! Download our monthly newsletter here:  Bright Start News_July 09.pdf  It provides parenting tips, upcoming activities and playgroups, and a featured book, toy, and art project! 

Bright Start provides many services:

Personal Visits

Each Bright Start family is assigned a certified Parent Educator (PE) who visits the home to discuss family goals, family strengths/needs, concerns, child development, age-appropriate activities, and information about community services.

Developmental Assessments

Every six months or as needed, children enrolled in Bright Start are assessed using an "Ages and Stages Questionnaire."

Prenatal Visits

A certified Parent Educator is available to meet and discuss prenatal care, nutrition, and child development that occurs during the pregnancy.

Parent-Child Playgroups

Monthly playgroups are open to all enrolled families. Parents and children enjoy music, creative activities, stories, and a wide variety of developmentally appropriate toys. We also schedule trips to the park, zoo, library, and other places of interest.

Parent Groups

Bright Start parents meet to share experiences and learn more about nutrition, safety, health, child development, day care, pre-school choices, and behavior management.

Family Enrichment Activities

All Bright Start families are invited to "family fun" activities scheduled throughout the year. Activities include holiday celebrations, picnics, and ice cream socials.

Lending Library

Bright Start families are welcome to borrow children's and parenting books, magazines, educational videos, and developmentally appropriate toys from our lending library.

Transportation

Transportation to and from Bright Start activities and appointments related to the child is available to enrolled families.

Transition to Pre-Kindergarten Programs

Parent Educators provide support as parents explore options and decide which program best meets the needs of the child and family.  Parent Educators are also available to assist in completing applications.

“The one-on-one home visits are a tremendous help.”

Bright Start Family