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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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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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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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Flu Guidance For Families
Nutrition
Nutrition Needs Assessment
Nutrition Standards
Caring For Our Children National (CFOC)

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Caring For Our Children National (CFOC)
Nutrition
Nutrition Needs Assessment
Nutrition Standards
Parent & Youth Outreach Program

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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
DFSS-CCAP Accepting Immigrant Families

The DFSS-CCAP team was informed by the State that all childcare agencies interested in assisting the immigrant families coming to Chicago who are in need of childcare can enroll these families for childcare under CCAP.

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The DFSS-CCAP team was informed by the State that all childcare agencies interested in assisting the immigrant families coming to Chicago who are in need of childcare can enroll these families for childcare under CCAP.

The DFSS-CCAP team was informed by the State that all childcare agencies interested in assisting the immigrant families coming to Chicago who are in need of childcare can enroll these families for childcare under CCAP. These families will go under the criteria of CCAP Protective Services Child Care (servicing children experiencing homelessness). Agencies will be able to provide these families up to 6 (six) months of childcare that they will be reimbursed for. Please review the link below that explains the policy and/or contact the DFSS-CCAP management staff, Margaret Jordan at margaret.jordan@cityofchicago.org for more information. Policy: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=88186

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Family Vaccination Clinics

The federal health officials approved the COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months old. Vaccines are the reason Chicago has continued to see record-low hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 this spring and summer, despite a recent increase in cases, and we’re very excited that we’re now able to offer that protection to our youngest residents.

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The federal health officials approved the COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months old. Vaccines are the reason Chicago has continued to see record-low hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 this spring and summer, despite a recent increase in cases, and we’re very excited that we’re now able to offer that protection to our youngest residents.

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.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax. While CDPH recommends families first reach out to their pediatrician or family medical provider to see if appointments are available, there are also a number of clinics being hosted by the City and its community partners:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) Blue Door Neighborhood Center sites will host family vaccination clinics for anyone 6 months and up. Pfizer and Moderna will be offered. Back-to-school and/or routine pediatric vaccines are also available. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are also accepted. Visit the links below to view the schedule for each location and register.

  • Morgan Park– 11840 S. Marshfield
  • July 14, July 23, July 26, August 11, August 20, September 8, October 6
  • Pullman– 756 E. 111th St.
  • July 13, July 16, July 28, August 4, August 10, August 13, September 1
  • South Lawndale – 2551 W. Cermak
  • July 29, August 3, August 27, August 31, September 6, September 24, October 4

Family vaccination clinics at Arturo Velasquez Institute in partnership with Alivio Medical Center five days a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays-Saturdays) at 2800 S. Western Ave. Walk-ins welcome. Call 773-254-1400 or text AMCPILSEN to 773-305-6064 to schedule a vaccine appointment. Protect Chicago At Home has expanded to vaccinate anyone 6 months or older. Up to 10 people can be vaccinated at a time for free, offering a great opportunity for the entire family to get up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. Make an at-home appointment at Chicago.gov/AtHome or by calling 312-746-4835 – weekend and evening appointments available.Standing CDPH immunization clinics will also offer Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for anyone 6 months and up by appointment only. Back-to-school and routine pediatric vaccines are also available.

  • Uptown WIC, 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd Level (call 312-742-3227 for an appointment)
  • Greater Lawn WIC, 4150 W. 55th St. (call 312-745-1477 for an appointment)

Need help finding a vaccine near you? Visit Vaccines.gov, a free, online service that you can use to search for pharmacies and providers or call the City’s COVID-19 call center at 312-746-4835. COVID-19 vaccines are free, no government-issued ID or insurance is required.

Click here to view the Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule for 6 Months of Age and Older!

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Chicago Early Learning Application Now Open!

There are plenty of no-cost or low-cost early childhood education options for every child from birth through 5 years old. Enroll today!

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There are plenty of no-cost or low-cost early childhood education options for every child from birth through 5 years old. Enroll today!

Infants and Toddlers
Ages Birth to 2

Community-based early learning programs may also be referred to as Early Head Start, Prevention Initiative, or Early Intervention.

Who do they serve?
Children aged birth to three years old from qualifying families

What do they provide?

  • Educational and social development activities.
  • Programs may include free health services (medical, dental, mental health), nutritious meals, as well as parent education and training.

Preschool
Ages 3 and 4

Community-based early learning programs may be referred to as Universal Pre-kindergarten, Preschool, Head Start or Child Care.

Who do they serve?
Universal Pre-kindergarten serves 4 year olds while all other preschool programs serve 3- and 4-year-old children from qualifying families.

What do they provide?

  • Educational and social development activities that promote school readiness.
  • Either a half-day or a full-day of instruction.
  • Programs may include free health services (medical, dental, mental health), nutritious meals, as well as parent education and training.

Click here to view the walk through for the application!

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My CHI. My Future.

Every young person in Chicago connects to a variety of rich, engaging, safe, and youth-centered out-of-school experiences that empower them to discover and cultivate their talents, passions, skills, and identities; develop as physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy members of society; build relationships and networks with peers and mentors; and explore multiple pathways to college, careers, trades, entrepreneurship, and life-long learning.

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Every young person in Chicago connects to a variety of rich, engaging, safe, and youth-centered out-of-school experiences that empower them to discover and cultivate their talents, passions, skills, and identities; develop as physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy members of society; build relationships and networks with peers and mentors; and explore multiple pathways to college, careers, trades, entrepreneurship, and life-long learning.

Access and participation in Chicago’s diverse out-of-school opportunity ecosystem must be equitable (not equal)across race, gender identities, age, disability, immigration status, income, neighborhood, and other identities, resulting in all young people (as well as their families, mentors, and caring adults) leveraging community assets and the city’s resources to build positive futures for themselves and their communities.

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Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Almost 15 million enrollees, including children, young adults, and other vulnerable populations, could be at risk of losing Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, though many may be eligible for other coverage options, including through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

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Almost 15 million enrollees, including children, young adults, and other vulnerable populations, could be at risk of losing Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, though many may be eligible for other coverage options, including through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The attached Dear Colleague Letter from ACF Assistant Secretary January Contreras outlines actions ACF grant recipients and partners can take to help families avoid losing health care coverage. The letter is also available here: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/policy-guidance/medicaid-and-childrens-health-insurance-program-chip-covid-19-public-health

Spanish Tool Kit

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Chicago Moves

Chicago Moves is a financial assistance program aimed at providing financial relief for Chicago residents struggling with transportation expenses. By applying to this program, you have the opportunity to receive a $150 prepaid gas card or a $50 prepaid transit cards.

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Chicago Moves is a financial assistance program aimed at providing financial relief for Chicago residents struggling with transportation expenses. By applying to this program, you have the opportunity to receive a $150 prepaid gas card or a $50 prepaid transit cards.

Chicago Moves is a financial assistance program aimed at providing financial relief for Chicago residents struggling with transportation expenses.

By applying to this program, you have the opportunity to receive a $150 prepaid gas card or a $50 prepaid transit cards. Applications for Chicago Moves will open on April 27, 2022, and cards will be distributed every month from May through September. Deadlines for each lottery will be on the 1st of the month from May-September. If you are not selected in the month in which you applied, you will be automatically enrolled in the lottery for the following month.

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Chicago Resillient Communities Pilot Now Open!

As part of Mayor Lightfoot’s commitment to ensuring an equitable recovery, the pilot will provide $500 monthly cash payments to 5,000 residents hit hardest by the pandemic over the course of 12 months. Application is now open until May 13, 2022.

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As part of Mayor Lightfoot’s commitment to ensuring an equitable recovery, the pilot will provide $500 monthly cash payments to 5,000 residents hit hardest by the pandemic over the course of 12 months. Application is now open until May 13, 2022.

The Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot is a $31.5 million dollar commitment from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services 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.

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Chicago's Preschool Application Now Open!

The 2022-2023 Chicago Early Learning (CEL) Preschool Application is now open! This year, families will be able to complete preschool applications on their phones with our new and improved mobile-friendly Pre-K application.

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The 2022-2023 Chicago Early Learning (CEL) Preschool Application is now open! This year, families will be able to complete preschool applications on their phones with our new and improved mobile-friendly Pre-K application.

Applications now open! It’s never too early to apply for preschool! There are plenty of no-cost or low-cost early education options for every child from birth through 5 years old in Chicago, including your program. From full-day to some extended-day options available, there are programs to meet early learners with where they’re at in their development. This year, families will be able to complete preschool applications on their phones with our new and improved mobile-friendly Pre-K application.

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Community Safety Town Halls

Join 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.

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Join 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.

Join 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.

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Cash Pilot Applications Open In April

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 More
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.

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. 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.

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