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The attached memo provides updates on DFSS’s field trip transportation policy. DFSS provides contracted chartered bus transportation for Head Start Delegate Agencies.
learn morelearn moreFamilies that are specifically looking for Head Start & Pre-K programs for 3 and 4-year-olds can either call a provider listed on the Chicago Program Locator or apply through the Online Application.
learn morelearn moreChicago Early Learning offers programs in a variety of settings. With 600+ preschool options in Chicago, you’ll find a program to fit your family’s needs.
learn morelearn moreAgency Staff Only: If you are having trouble with CSD CARES and need support, please make sure you submit a ticket directly through the system. Included are steps on how agencies can submit a support ticket when needed.
Read MoreAgency Staff Only: If you are having trouble with CSD CARES and need support, please make sure you submit a ticket directly through the system. Included are steps on how agencies can submit a support ticket when needed.
Families with children up to age five can still apply for a Chicago Early Learning Program! Within 48 hours of submitting their child's application, they should receive placement notifications at the email used for their guardian login. They can accept their offer online by logging into their account at chicagoearlylearning.org, recommend accepting families accept their offers as soon as possible, even if they are waitlisted for a program they ranked higher.
Read MoreFamilies with children up to age five can still apply for a Chicago Early Learning Program! Within 48 hours of submitting their child's application, they should receive placement notifications at the email used for their guardian login. They can accept their offer online by logging into their account at chicagoearlylearning.org, recommend accepting families accept their offers as soon as possible, even if they are waitlisted for a program they ranked higher. For Community-Based Early Learning Program applications, we encourage them to contact the preferred program directly to arrange a tour and get questions answered.
Are you ready to apply for a high-quality early-learning program? Learn about the process on our How to Apply Page or call our Family Support Hotline at 312-229-1690 with your questions.
Read MoreMark the date on your calendar to apply during the Initial Application Period for the 2024–2025 school year. During this initial enrollment window, families will be able to submit early applications to help increase their chances of getting into competitive early education programs across the city.
Read MoreFamilies across the city will be able to complete their application and begin the enrollment process for their child’s early education enrollment for the 2024–2025 school year at all CPS Pre-K programs and city-funded Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning programs.
Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs operate at the same high standard, offer the same curriculum, are staffed by highly qualified teachers, and have a minimum of two educators in the classroom.
When applying, families will be able to choose from over 500+ high-quality early learning programs for every child in every neighborhood in Chicago.
Community-Based Early Learning Programs and Preschool Programs that offer
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Do you still need to enroll your child in a program? Don't worry! There are open seats available at programs citywide. Apply today for the best chance of getting a seat in one of the available programs before they fill up.
Read MoreMany families have already enrolled their children in one of our 500+ high-quality early learning programs across the city. While our applications are open all year, seats are limited.
Do you still need to enroll your child in a program? Don't worry! There are open seats available at programs citywide. Apply today for the best chance of getting a seat in one of the available programs before they fill up.
Read our step-by-step guide below if you need help finding an early learning program with open seats.
Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs are citywide educational programs for children from 6-weeks to 5 years old, with options for home-visiting programs and prenatal services.
Community-Based Programs provide a wide range of support for families with little ones, including extended hours, smaller class sizes, and support services for the whole family. Community-Based sites include Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, Infant-Toddler programs and more.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is dedicated to supporting a continuum of coordinated services to enhance the lives of Chicago residents, particularly those most in need, from birth through the senior years. If you are looking for resources such as child care, homeless services, community services center, and more, check out the DFSS website.
Read MoreThe Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is dedicated to supporting a continuum of coordinated services to enhance the lives of Chicago residents, particularly those most in need, from birth through the senior years. The department works to promote the independence and well-being of individuals, support families and strengthen neighborhoods by providing direct assistance and administering resources to a network of community-based organizations, social service providers and institutions.
Being protected against COVID-19 is easier than ever. The City of Chicago operates vaccination sites that are open to children 6 (six) months and older.
Read MoreBeing protected against COVID-19 is easier than ever. The City of Chicago operates vaccination sites that are open to children 6 (six) months and older.
Everyone on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) must reapply for their health insurance. The federal policy that kept people continuously enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP during the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended. Many children and adults may lose their coverage. Everyone enrolled in these programs will need to reapply for health insurance. It’s important to understand that each state has its own process and timeline for deciding eligibility criteria for continuing Medicaid.
Read MoreHead Start programs can help families by:
Send your questions and comments to the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety at health@ecetta.info or (toll-free) 888-227-5125.
The 2023-2024 Chicago Early Learning Application is open! There are plenty of low-cost or no-cost early education options for every child from birth through 5 years old!
Read MoreThe 2023-2024 Chicago Early Learning Application will launch on Tuesday, April 11, 2023! There are plenty of low-cost or no-cost early education oprions for every child from birth through 5 years old!
This new service is a free, easy-to-access helpline that connects residents to the health and social service supports. Individuals from across Chicago and Cook County have a direct line that can help them get connected to food, housing, utility payment assistance, health care, transportation, childcare, employment, mental health, disaster information and assistance, and more.
Read MoreThis new service is a free, easy-to-access helpline that connects residents to the health and social service supports. Individuals from across Chicago and Cook County have a direct line that can help them get connected to food, housing, utility payment assistance, health care, transportation, childcare, employment, mental health, disaster information and assistance, and more.
Residents across Cook County can access 2-1-1 in the following ways:
