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Early learning is the key to future success.

Let's build better futures. For everyone.

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Ready to enroll?

We are now enrolling pregnant mothers and those with children up to age 5. IAFCs Early Learning Program options include centers and home visiting. Our enrollment specialists are here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the enrollment process. Learn more or let us know how we can help.

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Important Announcements

Access Hybrid and At-Home Learning Activities
Whether your child is attending our Early Learning Programs under the hybrid model or fully remotely, the learning can continue while at home! Check back every week for new activities and special surprises!



Acceda a actividades de aprendizaje híbridas y en el hogar
Si su hijo asiste a nuestros Programas de Aprendizaje Temprano bajo el modelo híbrido o totalmente remotamente, ¡el aprendizaje puede continuar mientras está en casa! ¡Vuelve cada semana para ver nuevas actividades y sorpresas especiales!



Chicago Early Learning - Enrollment Outreach and Recruitment: Community Partner Grant Opportunity
Interested organizations across multiple sectors (health, social service, food pantries, mutual aid, etc.) are invited to apply (DEADLINE JULY 4, 2021) for funds up to $16,000 to implement innovative, community-level strategies to increase applications to CEL programs in their communities. CPS is particularly interested in connecting families of 4 year old children to full-day, Universal Pre-K programs in their local schools.

Take a Virtual 360 Tour of Our Early Learning Centers


  • Chicago Heights

  • Ford Heights

    Ford Heights

  • Harvey-South Holland

    Harvey-South Holland

  • Dolton

    Dolton Virtual Tour


Did you know brain development actually begins before birth?

At Illinois Action for Children, we’re committed to helping children build a foundation for life-long success. It’s more than preschool—it’s a comprehensive approach to early learning that can actually start during pregnancy, believe it or not.

What can our early learning programs do for you and your children?

Take a closer look

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Illinois Action for Children's Early Learning Programs Serving West and South Suburbs of Cook County

Home Visiting — For pregnant women and families of infants, toddlers, and children up to three years old.

Early Learning Centers — For children up to five years old.

Early Learning Partners — For children up to five years old.

See our programs

Illinois Action for Children's Early Learning Resources

Educators — We want to help you help your students.

Parents — Explore our resources to help you help your children.

Partner Teachers — Explore our resources for IAFCs Partner Teachers.

See our programs

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Ready to enroll?

Our enrollment specialists are here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the enrollment process. Let us know how we can help.

Get in touch!

Our early learning programs aren't just proven, they're open to all eligible families.

Illinois Action for Children has four convenient, directly-operated Early Learning Program sites servicing:

  • HARVEY-SOUTH HOLLAND - Children ages 3 – 5 years
  • DOLTON - Pregnant women and children ages 0 – 5 years
  • CHICAGO HEIGHTS - Children ages 3 – 5 years
  • FORD HEIGHTS - Pregnant women and children ages 0 – 5 years

Currently serving 454 families through our directly-operated centers in the southern suburbs of Cook County, Illinois Action for Children’s Early Learning Programs provide year-round, full-day programs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We serve families from pregnancy through 5 years old.

Illinois Action for Children has identified children with special needs as a Priority Population to be recruited and served by our Early Learning Programs. We provide supports for children with special needs so that they can integrate into regular early childhood classrooms with additional resources to support the child and family.

Transportation services are an available to children within Illinois Action for Children’s Early Learning Programs. Our goal is to ensure safe, smooth, and timely transportation of children participating in transportation services on a daily basis and for special events.

Whole-family supports are provided in Illinois Action for Children’s Early Learning Programs to maintain supportive and empowering relationships, beginning at enrollment. We assess the needs of families, identify their goals, and provide access to appropriate resources to build a culture of authentic family support and engagement.

Nutritious meals are provided daily for children within Illinois Action for Children’s Early Learning Programs. We ensure compliance with the requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Stats on Illinois Action for Children's Early Learning Programs

997

Families served across programs.

1,174

Children served.

128

Fathers/father figures actively engaged in male-focused programs.

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Part of Illinois Action for Children

Since our founding in 1969, Illinois Action for Children has worked to create systems of early care education that help strengthen families and communities.

Visit IAFC Website