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Pregnant and Parenting Students

The Office of Student Protections and Title IX is here to help students who are pregnant, have experienced pregnancy, are parenting, or are co-parents or partners to a pregnant student achieve their education goals with equitable access.

CPS supports the academic success of all our students. Everyone’s experience of pregnancy and parenting is unique and complex. Know you are not alone as CPS is here for support and to help students navigate a path to academic success.

Title IX protects you from Discrimination at School

As a district, and in accordance with Title IX, Chicago Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all students can access high-quality education free from discrimination or harassment. Sex-based harassment towards pregnant and parenting students can occur before or after giving birth; as a result of complications caused by giving birth, experiencing a miscarriage, or having an abortion; due to lack of flexibility in scheduling to attend health appointments; and for numerous other reasons.

If You Are Pregnant or Parenting

Tell a Trusted Adult

Talk with a nurse, social worker, school
counselor, or administrator to receive support.

Know Your Rights

CPS' Student Bill of Rights and Illinois' Lactation Bill provide pregnant and parenting students with specific rights and protections.

Get Care

School-Based Health Centers provide students with health care services in the school building to arrange medical care.

If You Have Complications From Pregnancy, Childbirth, Lactation, and/or Abortion

Students who have complications from pregnancy, pregnancy loss, childbirth, lactation, or abortion are also entitled to accommodations. In addition to your school staff, the Office of Student Protections (OSP) can help. Remember that your school cannot deny you access to an education because you have complications related to pregnancy or pregnancy loss/termination and must make accommodations to assist you.

If a Friend is Pregnant or Parenting

Respect their privacy but encourage them to seek help.

Encourage your friend to report unfair treatment to the Office of Student Protections.

Share this page and its resources to make sure they are getting the proper care needed to keep them safe.

Modifications for Students

Below is a list of assistance available to students impacted by pregnancy or parenting. Please note, this list is not all-inclusive. If you are facing any obstacles to pursuing your education, contact the Office of Student Protections and Title IX, your school counselor, or your Student Protections School Representative for assistance.

Pregnant Students

  • Remain in their school or transfer to a more accommodating school
  • Remain in athletics/school-related activities
  • Have access to an elevator
  • Bring and eat snacks and water during the school day
  • Use a larger desk
  • Have excused bathroom visits
  • Access to academic modifications
  • Accommodations to ensure confidentiality and freedom from discrimination and harassment
  • Access to counseling

Parenting Students

  • Remain in the same academic standing
  • Excused absences related to medical reasons or childcare
  • Accommodations to ensure confidentiality and freedom from discrimination and harassment
  • Private room for lactation or pumping
  • Access to counseling

Students who have Experienced Pregnancy

(Miscarriage, termination, false pregnancy, etc)

  • Excused absences
  • All the same pregnancy protections throughout your pregnancy
  • Connections to medical resources
  • Provide schedule changes to assist with after-school employment
  • Access to counseling

Students Whose Partner is Pregnant or Co-Parenting

  • Excused absences for child-related reasons
  • Provide schedule changes to assist with after-school employment
  • Access to counseling

Resources

At CPS, we work with pregnant and parenting students to create the best path forward for their experience. Below is a list of CPS offices and community programs where you can find support and answers to your questions. If you have further questions, please contact the Office of Student Protections who can work to get you the support you need.

District Support

  • Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW)
    OSHW connects students and families with health insurance, healthcare providers, SNAP, and WIC. Healthcare providers can discuss pregnancy options, prenatal care, and other health needs. In addition, they provide nutritional support and provide pregnant and parenting students with a second meal during school hours.

  • The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD)
    OSD can assist with home and hospital educational services. Homebound care includes abortion, miscarriage, and adoption with a doctor's note.

  • Simpson Academy
    Simpson Academy is the only traditional Chicago Public School devoted to educating pregnant and parenting students to provide a quality education and developmental support to young mothers in a small and supportive learning environment. Simpson's goal is to ensure that teen mothers receive adequate social and emotional, medical, and academic support because we know it is essential. Please note that pregnant and parenting students have the right to remain at their school and cannot be pressured by staff to attend Simpson Academy.

  • Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
    The STLS program works with schools, staff, students and families to protect the educational rights of students who are in temporary living situations and/or homeless and ensures they receive all the services, programs, and activities provided to students who live in permanent housing. For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas. CPS schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including the provisions of services such as transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers, and referrals to community resources.

Community Support

  • New Moms
    An organization for young moms, focused on strengthening core life skills, economic mobility, early childhood development supports, building pathways to and preparation for education and employment, and expanding positive social networks and access to community resources.

  • Illinois Department of Health Services
    A governmental agency that provides equitable access to social/human services, supports, programs, and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. Services include:

  • Planned Parenthood
    Planned Parenthood of Illinois helps all kinds of people get the health tools and information - and above all the care and compassion they need - to prevent unintended pregnancies or to plan for families when they are ready.

  • Share Our Spare
    Share Our Spare (SOS) ensures every Chicago area child, ages 0-5, has the essential items to support their health and development and equip them for a strong start. SOS activates community impact through empowerment, innovative solutions, and a network of partners so that children can thrive and families can shift from crisis management to caregiving with dignity. As a result, we help lay the foundation for a resilient and equitable community.

  • The Night Ministry
    The Night Ministry compassionately provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care, and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty, and loneliness. We accept individuals as they are and offer support as they seek to improve their lives. We invite others to join this hope-filled work.