The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Children Services Division (CSD) is dedicated to strengthening the lives of Chicago Children, Families, and Communities.
We manage Chicago Early Learning (CEL) programs, including Head Start, Early Head Start, Preschool For All (PFA), and Prevention Initiative (PI) throughout Chicago particularly those most in need from birth to five years of age.
Get the latest CSD-related news and updated resources here.
CSD CARES Service Now Ticketing GuideAgency Staff Only: If you are having trouble with CSD CARES and need support, please make sure you submit a ticket directly through the system. Included are steps on how agencies can submit a support ticket when needed.
Recruitment Corner for CBO's!Families with children up to age five can still apply for a Chicago Early Learning Program! Within 48 hours of submitting their child's application, they should receive placement notifications at the email used for their guardian login. They can accept their offer online by logging into their account at chicagoearlylearning.org, recommend accepting families accept their offers as soon as possible, even if they are waitlisted for a program they ranked higher.
How the Chicago Early Learning Application Process WorksAre 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.
Each Head Start content area is a building block that ensures the highest level of quality in every Head Start classroom across the city. Find the latest regulation updates, trainings, resources and more.
Most popular resources will be populated here.
2021 Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) ScholarshipThe CSBG Scholarship Program offers financial aid ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for income-eligible residents of the City of Chicago who demonstrate academic achievement, career potential, and educational motivation. Displaced and underemployed workers, high school graduates (or equivalent), and Chicago residents aspiring to obtain higher education and employment are invited to apply. Applications are due August 16, 2021, by 5:00 p.m.
Child Care Assistance for Unemployed ParentsBeginning October 1, 2021, parents who are unemployed and actively seeking employment will be eligible for three months of Child Care Assistance, provided they meet the standard CCAP eligibility requirements. If parents become employed or enroll in an education program before the end of the three-month period and meet all other CCAP eligibility requirements, their eligibility will continue for 12 months in total.
Families interested in applying for support through the Child Care Assistance Program, can contact their local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R) which can be found online at https://www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch or by calling 1-877-202-4453 toll-free.
Hire ChicagoThe Hire Chicago partners, the City of Chicago, World Business Chicago, and The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) are dedicated to creating a one-of-a-kind hiring event that offers unique, industry-specific opportunities for both job seekers and employers as Chicago enters a new, post-pandemic economy.