Pike County Child Care Task Force

04/22/2026

Take the quiz and find out if you are a good match.

West Central Child Care Connection wants to help guide you toward a successful career in childcare. Take our quiz today to find out if becoming a childcare professional is right for you!

04/20/2026

Licensed vs. License-Exempt – Quick Breakdown

Licensed Family Child Care
-Care for up to 8 kids (including your own)
-Requires DCFS license, background checks, training & home visit
-Can accept CCAP subsidies (higher pay)
-Great for a true home-based business

License-Exempt
-Care for up to 3 unrelated children under 13 (or kids from one family)
-No full license needed – much simpler start
-Still eligible for some support & training through WCCCC
-Perfect first step!

Questions? Drop them below — we’re here to help! 💛

04/17/2026

❤️ The best learning happens through connection.

Try this:
-Read a book together
-Go for a walk and talk about what you see
-Share a favorite family story
-Play a simple game together

💡 Strong family connections build confidence and a sense of belonging.

Make the most of your time together. Free activity packs are available at the Barry, Griggsville, and Pittsfield libraries to help spark simple, meaningful moments at home.

04/16/2026

🎨No fancy supplies needed—creativity is everywhere!

Try this:
-Draw or color with crayons or markers
-Use scrap paper, junk mail, or magazines for collages
-Create art with leaves, sticks, or items from outside
-Try painting with water on the sidewalk or cardboard

💡 Art supports creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
Creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick up a free activity pack at your local library in Barry, Griggsville, or Pittsfield for more simple, creative ideas to try at home.

04/15/2026

🤝 Big skills grow through teamwork!

Try this:
-Clean up toys together and sort by type
-Build something using boxes, cups, or blocks
-Work together to complete a puzzle
-Take turns during a simple game

💡 Working together teaches cooperation, communication, and problem-solving.
Want more ways to learn and play together? Free activity packs are available at the libraries in Barry, Griggsville, and Pittsfield. Stop in and grab one while they’re still available.

04/14/2026

Learning can happen right in your kitchen!

Try this:
-Let your child help make a simple snack
-Count ingredients together
-Talk about colors, shapes, and textures of food
-Make a “fun plate” with different food groups

💡 Cooking together builds math skills, language, and independence.

Looking for more easy, hands-on ideas? Pick up a free activity pack at the Barry, Griggsville, or Pittsfield library. You’ll find simple materials and ideas perfect for everyday learning at home.

04/13/2026

🎶 You don’t need instruments or a class to get moving—just use what you have at home!

Try this:
-Turn on your child’s favorite song and have a dance party
-Use pots, pans, or containers as drums
-Freeze dance (dance… then freeze when the music stops!)
-March, jump, or spin around the room together

💡 Movement builds coordination, listening skills, and joy!

Keep the fun going at home. Free activity packs with simple music and movement ideas are available at the libraries in Barry, Griggsville, and Pittsfield. Grab one while supplies last.

04/13/2026

We’re excited to celebrate Week of the Young Child by supporting families with simple, meaningful ways to learn and play at home.

We’ve put together free activity packs filled with everyday materials and easy ideas you can use with your child. No need for fancy supplies. Just simple items, creativity, and time together.

You can pick up an activity pack at your local library in:
-Barry
-Griggsville
-Pittsfield

Supplies are limited, so be sure to stop by and grab one.

Because the best learning moments often come from the simplest things 💛

04/09/2026

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Thankful Thursday

04/06/2026

We hope you all have full cups today ☕️❤️

04/02/2026

Child Care can be Costly! The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help you pay for it!
https://www.illinoiscaresforkids.org/getchildcare