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Supplemental/Service Request Application Guidance

Supplemental or Services may be requested, please ensure you read the guidance at its entirety.

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
Supplemental/Service Request Application Guidance
Supplemental or Services may be requested, please ensure you read the guidance at its entirety.
Program Management & Quality Improvement
Program Management, Planning & Oversight System
Program Planning & Fiscal
Record Keeping & Reporting
Monitoring
Human Resources
2019-2020 Annual Report: Children Services Division

Annual Report

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2019-2020 Annual Report: Children Services Division
Annual Report
2019-2020
Parents as Teachers

Webpage

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Parents as Teachers
Webpage
Teaching Strategies: Alignment to Head Start Program Performance Standards

PDF

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Teaching Strategies: Alignment to Head Start Program Performance Standards
PDF
Teaching Strategies: Alignment of Creative Curriculum for Preschool (Ages Birth to Five)

PDF

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Teaching Strategies: Alignment of Creative Curriculum for Preschool (Ages Birth to Five)
PDF
Teaching Strategies GOLD: Objectives for Development & Learning (Birth through Kindergarten)

PDF

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Teaching Strategies GOLD: Objectives for Development & Learning (Birth through Kindergarten)
PDF
TS GOLD® Objectives with Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for Preschool

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TS GOLD® Objectives with Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for Preschool
Teaching Strategies' Alignment of GOLD® Objectives to Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework

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Teaching Strategies' Alignment of GOLD® Objectives to Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
Chicago Early Learning Standards 2.0

Manual

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Chicago Early Learning Standards 2.0
Manual
Growing Healthy

Postcard

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Growing Healthy
Postcard
Healthy Eating: Health Tips for Families

PDF (multiple languages)

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Healthy Eating: Health Tips for Families
PDF (multiple languages)
Child Nutrition

Head Start Program Performance Standards

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Child Nutrition
Head Start Program Performance Standards
head start nutrition

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head start nutrition
Baby Talk Curriculum

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Baby Talk Curriculum
Family Start (FAST) and FAST Parent Outreach Program

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Family Start (FAST) and FAST Parent Outreach Program
Apply early to improve your child’s chances of securing a seat in their preferred program!

There 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.

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
Apply early to improve your child’s chances of securing a seat in their preferred program!
There 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.
CEL Program Locator

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CEL Program Locator
Parent & Family Engagement Curriculum

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Parent & Family Engagement Curriculum
Family & Community Engagement
HS Parent, FCE Engagement Framework (HSPFCE)
Community Partnerships
NAEYC

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NAEYC
Education
CEL Standards Curriculum & Assessment tools
Pre-K Research-Based Curriculum
Continuous Quality Improvement
INCCRRA

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INCCRRA
Education
CEL Standards Curriculum & Assessment tools
Pre-K Research-Based Curriculum
Continuous Quality Improvement
Chicago Pre-Learning

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Chicago Pre-Learning
Education
CEL Standards Curriculum & Assessment tools
Pre-K Research-Based Curriculum
Continuous Quality Improvement
ReadyRosie

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ReadyRosie
Education
CEL Standards Curriculum & Assessment tools
Pre-K Research-Based Curriculum
Continuous Quality Improvement
Teaching Strategies GOLD

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
Teaching Strategies GOLD
Education
CEL Standards Curriculum & Assessment tools
Pre-K Research-Based Curriculum
Continuous Quality Improvement
Chicago Department of Public Health

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
Chicago Department of Public Health
Safety Practices
COVID –19 Resources
Licensing Standards
Lead in Water
Handwashing Signages
General Assembly’s Illinois Administrative Code Database

The following link is to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Part 407 Licensing Standards:

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
General Assembly’s Illinois Administrative Code Database
The following link is to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Part 407 Licensing Standards:
Safety Practices
COVID –19 Resources
Licensing Standards
Lead in Water
Handwashing Signages
Flu Guidance For Families

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
Flu Guidance For Families
Nutrition
Nutrition Needs Assessment
Nutrition Standards
Caring For Our Children National (CFOC)

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
Caring For Our Children National (CFOC)
Nutrition
Nutrition Needs Assessment
Nutrition Standards
Parent & Youth Outreach Program

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
Parent & Youth Outreach Program
Family & Community Engagement
HS Parent, FCE Engagement Framework (HSPFCE)
Community Partnerships
FAST Learning and Support Services

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
FAST Learning and Support Services
Family & Community Engagement
HS Parent, FCE Engagement Framework (HSPFCE)
Community Partnerships
The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)

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Contact your assigned DFSS Supervisor for this resource.
The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)
Family & Community Engagement
HS Parent, FCE Engagement Framework (HSPFCE)
Community Partnerships
How the Chicago Early Learning Application Process Works

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.

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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.
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Chicago Early Learning Application for 2024-2025 Opens April 9, 2024!

Mark 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.

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Mark 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.

Families 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

  • Early Head Start infant-toddler programs for children under the age of 3
  • Head Start/Early Head Start programs for preschool-aged children
  • Home-visiting programs for families who qualify
  • Doula programs for pregnant mothers

Click here to learn more!

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Find an Early Learning Program Near You!

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.

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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.

Many 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.

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DFSS Services and Programs

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.

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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.

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.  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.

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City of Chicago Vaccination Sites - COVID 19

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.

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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.

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.

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Changes to Medicaid and CHIP Automatic Enrollment

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.

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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.

Head Start programs can help families by:

  • Learning about your state’s process and resources.
  • Check your state’s timeline.
  • Visit your state’s Medicaid and CHIP websites for resources and support.
  • Sharing key information and messages with families.
  • Show families how to update their contact information with their state’s Medicaid program, if needed.
  • Encourage families to check their mail for an official letter with information about completing a renewal form and to submit it as soon as possible.
  • Ask families if they would like help completing their renewal form. Remind them to report any changes to their address, phone number, email, household, job, income, disability status, or pregnancy.
  • Making these resources available in your program and sharing them with families.
  • Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Renewals: A Communications Toolkit
    This 21-page toolkit includes strategies to help inform people about steps to renew their coverage or find other health care choices.
  • Preserving Medicaid and CHIP Coverage
    Scroll down to the “State Unwinding Flyers” for state-specific posters in English and Spanish with phone numbers and websites for Medicaid and low-cost insurance options.
  • Helping families who are no longer eligible for Medicaid find other types of free or low-cost insurance.

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.

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Chicago Early Learning Application open!

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!

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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!

The 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!

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2-1-1 Call Center Resource

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.

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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.

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.

Residents across Cook County can access 2-1-1 in the following ways:

By dialing 2-1-1
By texting 8-9-8-2-1-1
By visiting 211metrochicago.org and searching the database of services available on the website
By using the webchat feature on the website to connect with a live resource navigator
All 2-1-1 services are available 24/7/365
All 2-1-1 services will be available in English and Spanish

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City of Chicago Vaccination Sites

Family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago will offer Pfizer and Moderna for children 6 months through 4 years old, as well as Pfizer vaccines and booster doses to all Chicagoans. All clinics will be open 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is recommended and is available at the links below. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

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Family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago will offer Pfizer and Moderna for children 6 months through 4 years old, as well as Pfizer vaccines and booster doses to all Chicagoans. All clinics will be open 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is recommended and is available at the links below. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

Family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago will offer Pfizer and Moderna for children 6 months through 4 years old, as well as Pfizer vaccines and booster doses to all Chicagoans. All clinics will be open 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is recommended and is available at the links below. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

Winter dates are now available at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/city-sites.html

*Please remember to bring the COVID-19 vaccination card you received from your medical provider.

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Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0

Application is closing soon! The Department of Family and Support Services has opened an initial application round for the Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0, which will provide one-time, $500 relief payments to up to 4,000 eligible Chicagoans in its first round of payments.

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Application is closing soon! The Department of Family and Support Services has opened an initial application round for the Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0, which will provide one-time, $500 relief payments to up to 4,000 eligible Chicagoans in its first round of payments.

The Department of Family and Support Services has opened an initial application round for the Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0, which will provide one-time, $500 relief payments to up to 4,000 eligible Chicagoans in its first round of payments. The purpose of the fund ($14.68M in total) is to provide relief to low-income Chicagoans who had difficulties accessing prior federal stimulus payments, including Dependent Youth, Dependent Adults, Domestic Workers, and Undocumented Residents.  

This initial round of applications is open to Chicago Residents who claimed a Dependent 17 years or older on their 2019 taxes. The person submitting this application must be the individual who filed the taxes in 2019.

Residents of Chicago must also meet the following criteria to apply:

  • 18 years or Older
  • Is a current Chicago resident
  • Has a household income less than or equal to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level ($69,090 for a household of 3)

This application will be open through Saturday, December 31, 5:00pm.  Residents can visit  www.chicash.org to learn more and apply.

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