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learn morelearn moreHead Start Program Performance Standards
learn morelearn moreThere are safe in-person preschool options available for every early learner in Chicago! The early bird period ends Monday, May 17 at NOON, making this the best time to submit your child’s preschool applications.
learn morelearn moreThe following link is to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Part 407 Licensing Standards:
learn morelearn moreJoin the City of Chicago's efforts to reduce violence by joining one of six in-person town hall meetings over the next few weeks. Each meeting will focus on a different region of the city.
Read MoreJoin the City of Chicago's efforts to reduce violence by joining one of six in-person town hallmeetings over the next few weeks. Each meeting will focus on a different region of the city.
The Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot is a $31.5 million dollar commitment from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City of Chicago as part of her effort to tackle poverty and put residents at the center of the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 5,000 Chicagoans will be selected through an open application and a citywide lottery to receive $500 per month for twelve months, with no strings attached.
Read MoreThe Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot is a $31.5 million dollar commitment from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City of Chicago as part of her effort to tackle poverty and put residents at the center of the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 5,000 Chicagoans will be selected through an open application and a citywide lottery to receive $500 per month for twelve months, with no strings attached. That means that there are no limitations on how the money can be spent by recipients. The Mayor believes that people living with poverty simply do not have enough money to make ends meet. Cash assistance changes that circumstance and empowers residents to decide how to best meet their financial needs and goals.
Cook County Health is offering walk-in availability and appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read MoreCook County Health is offering walk-in availability and appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. To make an appointment, visit vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or call 833-308-1988 between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs.
Read MoreThe Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs. Updates to the guidance emphasize the importance of universal masking for everyone ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, this guidance provides more information on screening testing and updated guidance for fully vaccinated staff. Click here to learn more!
The city of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) manages a comprehensive human service delivery system to improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents. DFSS coordinates programs and administers resources to children and families, unsheltered homeless residents, survivors of domestic violence, workforce development for ex-offenders, youth, veterans, and senior services. In the core area of children services, DFSS is dedicated to providing children across the city with access to high-quality early learning through a citywide school system model in community-based programs known as Chicago Early Learning (CEL).
Read MoreThe American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC). As a result, most families, even those with little to-no income, can receive the full amount.
Read MoreThe American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC). As a result, most families, even those with little to-no income, can receive the full amount. That amount is now $300 per month per child under age 6, and $250 for each child age 6 to 17. You can now receive half of the total credit amount in advance monthly payments through December 2021. You can claim the other half when you file your 2021 income tax return.
The State of Illinois’ moratorium on COVID-related evictions ended October 3 but renters still have options. For anyone worried about remaining in their home because of an inability to pay rent, the City of Chicago is reminding renters there are resources available to help them stay safely housed.
Read MoreThe State of Illinois’ moratorium on COVID-related evictions ended October 3 but renters still have options. For anyone worried about remaining in their home because of an inability to pay rent, the City of Chicago is reminding renters there are resources available to help them stay safely housed.
Financial assistance is still available and tenants may qualify for up to 15 months of rent payments, in addition to utility payment assistance. Residents can visit chicago.gov/renthelp to apply, and check the status of an application for rental assistance submitted in the summer.
Through a partnership with the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, renters can receive free legal and mitigation assistance to prevent being evicted. The hotline, Rentervention, is free and confidential, and tenants can call 312-347-7600, visit rentervention.com or text “hi” to 866-7RENTER (866-773-6837) to start a conversation with Renny, Rentervention’s bot.
The Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) offers free legal help, mediation, and connections to other resources including rental assistance. To learn more, call 855-956-5763 or visit https://cookcountylegalaid.org.
Under the COVID-19 Evictions Protection Ordinance, landlords filing evictions due to nonpayment of rent against tenants who have coronavirus-related financial hardships, must wait for a seven-day “cooling-off” period in addition to the regular five-day notice period. After the “cooling-off” period, landlords must show the court that they have engaged in good faith efforts to reach a reasonable alternative to eviction, including mediation, payment plans or other options before an eviction can proceed.
Illinois has been awarded $331 million in financial aid to support child care through the latest federal relief package passed by the US Congress. The continuation of the Child Care Restoration Grants is designed to help sustain child care as the economy continues to reopen.
Read moreIllinois has been awarded $331 million in financial aid to support child care through the latest federal relief package passed by the US Congress. Unlike the Child Care Restoration Grants (CCRG) in 2020, these funds will flow directly through the Illinois Department of Human Services. We know our state’s recovery relies on the economic survival of our child care system. The continuation of the Child Care Restoration Grants is designed to help sustain child care as the economy continues to reopen. Click here for more information.
Beginning October 1, 2021, parents who are unemployed and actively seeking employment will be eligible for three months of Child Care Assistance, provided they meet the standard CCAP eligibility requirements.
Read moreBeginning October 1, 2021, parents who are unemployed and actively seeking employment will be eligible for three months of Child Care Assistance, provided they meet the standard CCAP eligibility requirements. If parents become employed or enroll in an education program before the end of the three-month period and meet all other CCAP eligibility requirements, their eligibility will continue for 12 months in total.
Families interested in applying for support through the Child Care Assistance Program, can contact their local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R) which can be found online at https://www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch or by calling 1-877-202-4453 toll-free.
The CSBG Scholarship Program offers financial aid ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for income-eligible residents of the City of Chicago who demonstrate academic achievement, career potential, and educational motivation.
Read MoreThe CSBG Scholarship Program offers financial aid ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for income-eligible residents of the City of Chicago who demonstrate academic achievement, career potential, and educational motivation. Displaced and underemployed workers, high school graduates (or equivalent), and Chicago residents aspiring to obtain higher education and employment are invited to apply. Applications are due August 16, 2021, by 5:00 p.m.
