Early Learning Programs in North Lawndale
“Early Learning Programs” cover the care your child receives in their first five years of life. This looks many different ways; it might be daycare in a friend’s home, preschool at your local elementary school, a classroom at a childcare center, or a home visitor who comes to you.
What all of these programs have in common is they grow your child’s brain and set them on the path to being a lifelong learner. Don’t let costs be the barrier for any of these programs; there are plenty of options to make sure you find the right program for your family no matter your economic status. Find out which option suits your needs best.
School-Based Care
School-Based childcare programs are those within elementary schools. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) offer school-based options for three and four-year-old children.
CPS part-day options are available for three-year-olds and CPS full-day programs are for children that will be four years old before September 1st. Follow the links to learn more about school-based child care and apply. Additionally, you can call the Chicago Early Learning(CEL) hotline at 312-229-1690 for direct assistance with completing the CEL application Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
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Center-Based Care / Childcare Center
While they have many names, “daycares” or “centers” are places that provide age-appropriate and educational activities for children. Kids may be grouped by age or placed in mixed-age groups.
Generally, these centers care for infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers, and they are usually open all day and year-round. “Center-based” is a phrase that separates this type of care from individual care, or care in homes and schools. These types of programs are often dedicated entirely to early learning, and are wonderful for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Follow the links to learn more about center-based early childhood education in North Lawndale.
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Home Visiting
Instead of bringing their child to a program, some families prefer to receive services in their own homes.
A home visitor, who is an expert in how children grow, learn and develop, brings resources directly to families. Home visitors empower and support parents to be their child’s first teacher. Home visiting is available for families with children of many ages, but especially pregnant mothers through the child’s eighteenth month. Follow the links to learn more about home visiting programs in North Lawndale.
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Family Childcare Partners/Family Childcare Homes/Home Based Care
“Family Child Care or Home-based care is offered in the home of the educator. Care in the home often means smaller group sizes and/or the chance for kids to socialize across age groups.
Generally, these programs run on a schedule that makes sense for enrolled families and the providers’ needs. “Family Child Care” is a phrase that separates this type of care from childcare centers and schools. These types of programs offer individualized attention in a family-like environment and are wonderful for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. NOTE: Family Childcare Homes are small businesses, and don’t always have websites. Use these databases to see the options near you, and reach out by phone. Follow the links to learn more about family child care in North Lawndale.
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