Early Childhood

Did you know that 80% of brain growth occurs within your child’s first 3 years of life? In fact, 90% of your child’s brain is developed by age 5! The early years are a big deal! This is when little brains grow fast, building the skills they’ll use for life — learning, exploring, playing, and making friends along the way. This means we all have a BIG opportunity to make a huge difference in our child’s life from the very start.

West Chicago families with children aged 0-5 have amazing options like Early Intervention, Home Visiting programs, free and affordable Preschool, child development screenings, various child care options and family resources — all here to support your family’s journey!

Early intervention is a statewide program that gives children under the age of 3 a boost when they need a little extra help growing, learning, or communicating — because every child deserves to shine bright from the start! Specialists work closely with parents and caregivers, offering guidance and strategies that fit right into everyday routines at home and in familiar places — empowering families to help their children grow and thrive.

Home visiting brings caring experts right to your door with tips, fun activities, and support to help you and your child thrive together, from pregnancy through early childhood.

Daycare offers a safe, loving place for children to play and grow throughout the day. Daycares offer longer hours to accommodate parent work schedules. Preschool gets kids ready for kindergarten by teaching children valuable skills that they need in order to be successful in school

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) makes it possible for families who qualify to receive financial help to pay for child care costs so that parents can work, attend training, or school. To learn more click here.

Yes you can! To learn more about how you can become a quality child care provider click here.