I help parents and caregivers of children with special needs sort through all the conflicting information out there, making it easier to free up time to create fun family focused oral health habits with simple tips, tricks and bright ideas to reduce cavities and design a healthy mouth routine that has your kids begging you to brush let them brush their teeth. Understanding how oral health is connected to overall health will help reduce disease, save time, money and heartache.
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I help parents and caregivers of children with special needs sort through all the conflicting information out there, making it easier to free up time to create fun family focused oral health habits with simple tips, tricks and bright ideas to reduce cavities and design a healthy mouth routine that has your kids begging you to brush let them brush their teeth. Understanding how oral health is connected to overall health will help reduce disease, save time, money and heartache.
From Birth to Five: Giving Every Child a Strong Start
The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast
23 minutes 29 seconds
2 months ago
From Birth to Five: Giving Every Child a Strong Start
Birth to five is the most important stage of a child’s life—yet it’s often overlooked in healthcare and education. In this episode of the Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, I sit down with Ashante Jackson, Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois, to explore how this statewide initiative is closing gaps in care, building stronger communities, and making sure every child has access to the resources they need.
We dive into how Birth to Five Illinois is driven by community voices, why access and awareness are critical for families, and the innovative steps being taken across Illinois to address early childhood needs holistically. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or community advocate, this conversation will open your eyes to the importance of early intervention and remind you that you’re not alone on this journey.
Timeline Summary
[2:12] – Introducing Birth to Five Illinois and why the early years matter so much
[6:45] – How regional offices are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community
[12:30] – The importance of access and awareness for families navigating services
[18:55] – Tackling behavior and expulsion challenges through social-emotional learning
[25:40] – Why community voice is at the heart of every decision Birth to Five Illinois makes
[33:10] – Addressing healthcare gaps, food deserts, and housing instability in Illinois
[45:22] – How families and stakeholders can get involved through councils and storytelling
Links & Resources
Birth to Five Illinois: www.birthto5il.com
Early Childhood Resource Hub (housed at Oak Lawn Children’s Museum): Oak Lawn Children’s Museum Resource Hub
Connect with Ashante Jackson: ajackson@birthto5il.com
If this episode inspired you or gave you new insights, please share it with a friend who could benefit. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast so we can continue spreading knowledge and resources to families everywhere. And remember—trust your instincts, advocate for your child, and know you’re never alone.
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The Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast
I help parents and caregivers of children with special needs sort through all the conflicting information out there, making it easier to free up time to create fun family focused oral health habits with simple tips, tricks and bright ideas to reduce cavities and design a healthy mouth routine that has your kids begging you to brush let them brush their teeth. Understanding how oral health is connected to overall health will help reduce disease, save time, money and heartache.
