Bright start

A Strong Beginning for Every Child

What is Bright Start?

Bright Start supports Macon County families who are expecting a baby or raising children from birth to age five. The program is built on the belief that:

  • Every child can learn, grow, and thrive
  • Parents are their child’s first and most influential teacher
  • Early support creates long‑term success

Using the evidence‑based Parents as Teachers model, Bright Start provides:

  • Personalized home visits
  • Group connections and learning opportunities
  • Developmentally appropriate activities
  • Guidance tailored to each family’s goals and needs

Services are free for eligible families in Macon County and funded through the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting Grant (MIECHV).

Who Does Bright Start Serve?

Support for Expecting Parents and Families With Young Children

Bright start serves families in Macon County who:

  • Are expecting a baby (prenatal)
  • Have children from birth through age five
  • Want support, encouragement, and guidance during the early years

Why Should My Family Enroll?

Bright Start parent educators partner with families to make the early years meaningful and successful. They provide:

  • Research‑based child development information
  • Age‑appropriate learning activities
  • Guidance tailored to each child’s needs

What Do the services include?

Every service is designed to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered.

  • Prenatal Visits
  • Conversations about prenatal care, nutrition, and fetal development
  • Personal Home Visits
  • Support focused on family goals, strengths, and child development
  • Discussions about health, hearing, vision, and developmental milestones
  • Group Connections
  • Opportunities for parents and caregivers to learn together and build community

Hear what our participants think

These are surveys from the year of 2025.

  • “This program has definitely helped my relationship with my child, as well as the whole family!”
    Bright Start Parent
  • We absolutely love our educator! She is amazing to have here, every time we are excited for her visits!”
    Bright Start Parent

Contact for more information:

Lazetta Farnham – Bright Start Supervisor
Reach out to this department!

If you want to learn more:

Please use the contact information below if you are interested in any of the MRI Children Services.

MRI KIDS phone

217-429-1052

MRI KIDS address

1811 S. Taylor Rd Decatur, IL 62521

MRI KIDS email

summercamp@maconresources.org