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Community-Based Programs

Our Children, Our City, Our Future.

There are Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs throughout Chicago with half-day and full-day options.

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Infant learning through play with teacher

What is a Community-Based Early Learning Program?

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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Benefits of Community-Based Early Learning Programs

Students in Community-Based Preschool play together with blocks

Engaged Teachers and Early Education Experts

Community-Based Programs meet a high-quality standard for education and offer structured skill-based and play-based learning opportunities. Community-Based Programs follow the same accredited curriculum as CPS Pre-K.

Smaller Class Sizes, Extended Hours, and Year-round Availability

Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs are typically open later than the average school-day and offer before and after school programs. Children have opportunities for individualized instruction where educators can meet them where they are in their development.

Support Services for the Whole Family

Community-Based Programs that offer Head Start and Early Head Start provide free health services (medical, dental, mental health), nutritious meals, parent education and training, and GED programs.

Power to the Parents

There are opportunities for family engagement through Community-Based programs. Parents are a part of the decision-making process and can have a seat in a governance role.

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs rely on parents as leaders– allowing them to provide input on budgets and hiring practices. There are also opportunities for parents to sit on the citywide decision-making boards (CPPC), reviewing budgets, approving new hires, and making critical decisions for early learning citywide.

Mother and child drawing together

Support Services for the Whole Family

Community-Based Programs that offer Head Start and Early Head Start provide free health services (medical, dental, mental health), nutritious meals, parent education and training, and GED programs.

Power to the Parents

There are opportunities for family engagement through Community-Based programs. Parents are a part of the decision-making process and can have a seat in a governance role.

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs rely on parents as leaders– allowing them to provide input on budgets and hiring practices. There are also opportunities for parents to sit on the citywide decision-making boards (CPPC), reviewing budgets, approving new hires, and making critical decisions for early learning citywide.

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Find the Right Community-Based Program for Your Family


Explore hundreds of high-quality Community-Based programs in Chicago and learn more about their many benefits!

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Doula and Home Visiting Programs

Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs support families at every stage, whether you're expecting or have young children who aren't quite ready for preschool.

Our Home Visiting Programs, offered by Head Start and Early Head Start programs, cater to families with children ages three and under, providing certified coaches who deliver early care and consultation directly in your home.

For expecting mothers, our Doula Services offer invaluable support during the final trimester, including attendance at doctor's appointments and personalized guidance, contributing to higher birth success rates.

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2-year-old and 4-year-old play with lego blocks at home

Doula and Home Visiting Programs

Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs support families at every stage, whether you're expecting or have young children who aren't quite ready for preschool.

Our Home Visiting Programs, offered by Head Start and Early Head Start programs, cater to families with children ages three and under, providing certified coaches who deliver early care and consultation directly in your home.

For expecting mothers, our Doula Services offer invaluable support during the final trimester, including attendance at doctor's appointments and personalized guidance, contributing to higher birth success rates.

See All Programs

Doula Programs for Expecting Mothers

Doula programs support pregnant moms in their last trimester. Doulas are paired with pregnant moms and build relationships with families. Doulas help expectant mothers through the pregnancy process as midwives and pregnancy coaches to improve birth rates and the success of healthy deliveries. Doulas also support mothers in the weeks that follow giving birth by accompanying them to doctor appointments, and connect families to support services for new parents.

Current Doula programs include:

Pregnant mother explores Chicago Early Learning Doula Programs on her laptop

Doula Programs for Expecting Mothers

Doula programs support pregnant moms in their last trimester. Doulas are paired with pregnant moms and build relationships with families. Doulas help expectant mothers through the pregnancy process as midwives and pregnancy coaches to improve birth rates and the success of healthy deliveries. Doulas also support mothers in the weeks that follow giving birth by accompanying them to doctor appointments, and connect families to support services for new parents.

Current Doula programs include:



Free early learning programs for SNAP families


Do you receive SNAP Benefits and have an early learner from birth to five-years-old? If so, your family qualifies for FREE early learning at a Community-Based Early Head Start/Head Start program.

Watch our video on how to find free early learning for SNAP families here.
Watch the video in Spanish here.

EXPLORE HEADSTART/EARLY HEADSTART PROGRAMS