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Learn how The Basics help parents and caregivers support early childhood development. Explore five simple yet powerful principles to help children thrive. Start receiving FREE weekly tips on how to learn and grow with your child! Sign up for Basics Insights text messages today! Maximize Love, Manage Stress Talk, Sing, and Point Count, Group, and Compare Explore Through Movement and Play Read and Discuss Stories Empowering Early Childhood Development with The Basics At WeGo Together for Kids, we are committed to fostering vibrant learning and brain development in children from birth to age five. Through The Basics initiative, we provide families with five simple, yet powerful principles to nurture their children's growth and ensure they thrive in school and life. Learn More The Basics at The Morton Arboretum Learn More About the Garden The Basics artwork is now installed at The Morton Arboretum! We’re so excited to see this project come to life and share the five simple ways to give children a strong start in life through art and community collaboration. Thank you to The Morton Arboretum and the DuPage County Health Department , and artist Lauren Dusing for helping bring this project to life. Local media was also there to capture these special moments and help share the story with our community. The Basics Mural – 101 Main St., West Chicago About The Basics Mural West Chicago is now home to a vibrant new Basics Mural, created by a recent WCCHS graduate and inspired by The Basics principles. This artwork brings the five pillars of early childhood development to life in a colorful, engaging way that families can enjoy right in the heart of our community. Take a walk along Main Street in front of Republic Bank to see the mural up close, and get the chance to do The Basics as you explore. This blog post dives into the story behind the mural, its community impact, and how you can incorporate The Basics into everyday moments. Read the Blog Post Maximize Love, Manage Stress View List Talk, Sing, and Point View List Count, Group, and Compare View List Explore Through Movement and Play View List Read and Discuss Stories View List Testimonials The Basics Through Families’ Eyes Kathy, first-time mom of 18 month old I especially appreciated the reading tips because it encourages me to keep reading to my toddler even after she walks away or does other things. The tips remind me to be intentional when I spend time with my toddler Alexa, mom of three under three I LOVE receiving the Basics texts. The tips are short and perfectly fit. There have been numerous times where it provides me with peace and encouragement Join The Basics Insights Text Messaging Program Receive weekly tips and activities to support your child's development directly to your phone. Click the button below to register online. Sign Up Here! Community Partners We collaborate with local organizations to bring The Basics to our community. Together, we ensure every child has the support they need to thrive.

Reach out to WeGo Together For Kids today for access to resources, programs, and community services. Get In Touch We’re here to answer your questions and provide the information you need We're Here to Answer Your Questions! If you have questions or comments, please reach out using the contact form. You can also contact our director, Molly Beck Dean, via email at beckdeanm@metrofamily.org beckdeanm@metrofamily.org Contact us First name Last name Email(Required) Phone Message(Required) Submit

Housing Resources Homeless Shelters DuPage Pads Type: Interim & permanent shelter Address: 703 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton, IL Phone Number: 630‑682‑3846 opt 1 Hours/ Intake Details: Mon–Wed 8:30–15:00; Thu 8:30–12:00; Fri 8:30–15:00; intake by phone or walk‑up Website Bridge Communities Type: Transitional housing for families Glen Ellyn, IL (DuPage County) 630‑545‑0610 ext 20 Hours/ Intake Details: Ongoing intakes for families in need Website 360 Youth Services Type: Youth shelter (18–24) Address: 1323 Bond St #119, Naperville, IL 60563 (Serves Naperville and DuPage County) Phone Number: 630‑961‑2992 ext 1168 Intake Details: Emergency & transitional youth housing Website Family Shelter Service Type: Family/domestic violence shelter Address: 605 E Roosevelt Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187 Phone Number: 630‑469‑5650 (24/7 hotline) Intake Details: 24/7 intake and shelter for victims; immediate assistance available Hesed House Type: Emergency & family shelter Address: 659 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506 (serves Aurora and DuPage) Phone Number: 630‑897‑2156 Intake Details: Family & adult shelter options available Catholic Charities Type: Emergency shelter network Address: 314 N Lake St, Aurora, IL 60506 (Serves DuPage, Cook Counties) Phone Number: (630) 820-3220 Intake Details: Transitional & emergency housing support Website Illinois DHS Emergency Type: State transitional housing Serves: DuPage & surrounding counties Phone Number: 877‑426‑6515 (statewide hotline) Intake Details: Centralized intake for emergency housing assistance

Discover essential safety resources, including car seat safety, emergency preparedness and more for families in West Chicago. Safety Resources Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish Cinco maneras fáciles de prepararse para las emergencias View More Five Easy Ways to Get Emergency-Ready View More Keeping your child safe in and around your vehicle View More Water Safety- Facts about the Dangers of Drowning View More El peligro de ahogamiento infantil View More Seguirdad basica sobre el asiento de seguridad View More Keeping Children Safe During Winter Break View More Bike Safety View More Bus Safety View More Everything you need to know about car seat safety? View More Finding Help When Lost Social Story View More Home Safety Devices and Seat Belt Locks View More Keeping young Children Safe in the Car View More Keeping young Children Safe in the Car (Spanish) View More No Sidewalk No Problem Social Story View More Preventing Lead Poisoning in Children View More Seat Belt Safety Social Story View More SIDS View More Smart Devices to Find your Lost Child View More Staying with an Adult Social Story View More Sun Safety: Protecting your Child View More Winter Safety View More Manten seguro a tu niño dentro y fuera de tu vehículo View More Cinco maneras fáciles de prepararse para las emergencias View More Five Easy Ways to Get Emergency-Ready View More Keeping your child safe in and around your vehicle View More Water Safety- Facts about the Dangers of Drowning View More El peligro de ahogamiento infantil View More Seguirdad basica sobre el asiento de seguridad View More Keeping Children Safe During Winter Break View More Bike Safety View More Bus Safety View More Everything you need to know about car seat safety? View More Finding Help When Lost Social Story View More Home Safety Devices and Seat Belt Locks View More Keeping young Children Safe in the Car View More Keeping young Children Safe in the Car (Spanish) View More No Sidewalk No Problem Social Story View More Preventing Lead Poisoning in Children View More Seat Belt Safety Social Story View More SIDS View More Smart Devices to Find your Lost Child View More Staying with an Adult Social Story View More Sun Safety: Protecting your Child View More Winter Safety View More Manten seguro a tu niño dentro y fuera de tu vehículo View More Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish Safety Resources Can't Find What Your Looking For? Reach out and provide details about what resource we can help you with! Contact Us

Learn about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in West Chicago. Children from birth to age five can receive free books every month at no cost. Click here to start receiving FREE high-quality, age-appropriate books each month delivered straight to your door! What is the Program? A young reader picking out his very first free book Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library , children from birth to age five can receive a free, high-quality book mailed directly to their home each month. Each book is selected to support early learning and help children build a love of reading from a young age. There is no cost to families, and every book is theirs to keep. Who can Sign up? This program is available to all West Chicago residents. Eligible children must: Be under the age of 5 Live in West Chicago If your child meets these requirements, they are eligible to enroll and begin receiving books. Why It Matters Early literacy plays a critical role in a child’s development. This program helps: Build early reading and language skills Encourage family reading time at home Support school readiness Foster a lifelong love of books How to Get Started Click the dropdown arrow below to learn how to get started and see if this program is available in your area. I live in West Chicago Children living in West Chicago who are under age five are eligible to enroll. Fill out the online enrollment form with your child’s information, including name, date of birth, and a valid mailing address where books will be delivered. Form Check if my area is eligible (other than West Chicago) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is also available in other locations, so if you live somewhere else, you can still check whether your suburb or town participates in the program and is part of the service area. Website Enrollment Processing After submission, your information will be reviewed and processed. Once approved, your child will be officially enrolled in the program. Your child will begin receiving a new book in the mail each month within approximately 6–8 weeks of enrollment. Books will continue to arrive until the child turns five. How it works Once a child is enrolled, books are selected each month based on age and prepared for mailing through the program’s national distribution system. They are then delivered directly to the child’s home. This monthly process continues until the child turns five years old. Local implementation of the program is supported through community partners and sponsors who help ensure the program can be offered to families at no cost. Learn More About DPIL Thank you to our Supporters WeGo Together for Kids is grateful to our community partners and supporters who make this program possible. Your support helps bring free books and early learning opportunities to children in West Chicago. The success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library relies on the support of our community. Help inspire a love of reading by giving the gift of books to local children. Support the Program

Discover essential health resources, including childhood wellness, immunizations, and more for families in West Chicago. 0-3 Month Overview Start Now 10-12 Month Overview Start Now 13-18 Months Overview Start Now 19-24 Months Overview Start Now 2-3 Years Overview Start Now 3 Things you Should Know about Infant Vaccines Start Now 4-6 Month Overview Start Now 4-6 Years Overview Start Now 5 Señales de advertencia que indican que su hijo debería ver a un experto en salud del comportamiento Start Now 5 Signs your Child May Need to See a Behavioral Specialist Start Now 6 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers Start Now 6 Ways to Increase your Chances of Natural Childbirth Start Now 7-9 Month Overview Start Now Babies Gain without Screens Start Now Be Tech Wise with Baby Start Now Bedtime Routine Start Now Bedtime for preschoolers Start Now Brushing Teeth Social Story Start Now Caring for your physical and mental health after childbirth Start Now Cinco maneras de controlar el asma durante el invierno Start Now Cómo cuidar de tu salud física y mental después de dar a luz Start Now Cómo hablar con su hijo sobre la pérdida de peso y la nutrición Start Now Cómo prepararse para las visitas médicas de su hijo Start Now Dental Health for Babies and Young Children Start Now Ear Infection Symptoms in Children Start Now Early Childhood Behavioral Health Services Start Now Family Digital Plan- Birth to 5 Start Now Family Digital Plan- Primary School Start Now Five Ways to Control Asthma in the Winter Start Now Going to the Dentist Social Story Start Now Going to the Doctor Social Story Start Now Going to the Park Social Story Start Now Handwashing Social Story Start Now Helping your Child Thrive by Reducing Screentime Start Now How our Screen use Affects our Children Start Now How to talk to your child about weight loss and nutrition Start Now La salud dental para los bebés y niños pequeños Start Now Lice aren’t nice! Start Now Lice aren’t nice! (Spanish) Start Now Los bebés ganan sin pantallas Start Now Losing a Tooth Social Story Start Now Managing your health after pregnancy Start Now Offering your Baby a Healthy Start Begins with Prenatal Care Start Now Parent’s Guide to Helping Baby During Teething Start Now Parent’s Guide to Infant Carriers Start Now Parent’s Guide to Limiting Screen Time Start Now Parent’s Guide to Vision Development Start Now Parent’s Guide to W-Sitting and Why it Matters Start Now Physical fitness for preschoolers Start Now Premature Start Now Preparing for your Child's Routine Medical Visits Start Now Protecting Children from Preventable Diseases Start Now Q&A:Benefits and Importance of Breastfeeding Start Now Recursos para el autismo Start Now Recursos para el autismo Start Now Resources for Autism Start Now SIDS Start Now Servicios de Salud Comportamental de la Primera Infancia Start Now Supporting your child through changes big and small Start Now Síntomas de infección de oído en niños Start Now Wearing Sunscreen Social Story Start Now What are the Warning Signs of Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression? Start Now ¡Sea sabio con la tecnología y el bebé! Start Now ¿Cuáles son las señales de advertencia de la tristeza y la depresión posparto? Start Now Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish Health and Safety Resources Health Resources Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish 0-3 Month Overview Start Now 10-12 Month Overview Start Now 13-18 Months Overview Start Now 19-24 Months Overview Start Now 2-3 Years Overview Start Now 3 Things you Should Know about Infant Vaccines Start Now 4-6 Month Overview Start Now 4-6 Years Overview Start Now 5 Señales de advertencia que indican que su hijo debería ver a un experto en salud del comportamiento Start Now 5 Signs your Child May Need to See a Behavioral Specialist Start Now 6 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers Start Now 6 Ways to Increase your Chances of Natural Childbirth Start Now 7-9 Month Overview Start Now Babies Gain without Screens Start Now Be Tech Wise with Baby Start Now Bedtime Routine Start Now Bedtime for preschoolers Start Now Brushing Teeth Social Story Start Now Caring for your physical and mental health after childbirth Start Now Cinco maneras de controlar el asma durante el invierno Start Now Cómo cuidar de tu salud física y mental después de dar a luz Start Now Cómo hablar con su hijo sobre la pérdida de peso y la nutrición Start Now Cómo prepararse para las visitas médicas de su hijo Start Now Dental Health for Babies and Young Children Start Now Ear Infection Symptoms in Children Start Now Early Childhood Behavioral Health Services Start Now Family Digital Plan- Birth to 5 Start Now Family Digital Plan- Primary School Start Now Five Ways to Control Asthma in the Winter Start Now Going to the Dentist Social Story Start Now Going to the Doctor Social Story Start Now Going to the Park Social Story Start Now Handwashing Social Story Start Now Helping your Child Thrive by Reducing Screentime Start Now How our Screen use Affects our Children Start Now How to talk to your child about weight loss and nutrition Start Now La salud dental para los bebés y niños pequeños Start Now Lice aren’t nice! Start Now Lice aren’t nice! (Spanish) Start Now Los bebés ganan sin pantallas Start Now Losing a Tooth Social Story Start Now Managing your health after pregnancy Start Now Offering your Baby a Healthy Start Begins with Prenatal Care Start Now Parent’s Guide to Helping Baby During Teething Start Now Parent’s Guide to Infant Carriers Start Now Parent’s Guide to Limiting Screen Time Start Now Parent’s Guide to Vision Development Start Now Parent’s Guide to W-Sitting and Why it Matters Start Now Physical fitness for preschoolers Start Now Premature Start Now Preparing for your Child's Routine Medical Visits Start Now Protecting Children from Preventable Diseases Start Now Q&A:Benefits and Importance of Breastfeeding Start Now Recursos para el autismo Start Now Recursos para el autismo Start Now Resources for Autism Start Now SIDS Start Now Servicios de Salud Comportamental de la Primera Infancia Start Now Supporting your child through changes big and small Start Now Síntomas de infección de oído en niños Start Now Wearing Sunscreen Social Story Start Now What are the Warning Signs of Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression? Start Now ¡Sea sabio con la tecnología y el bebé! Start Now ¿Cuáles son las señales de advertencia de la tristeza y la depresión posparto? Start Now Can't Find What Your Looking For? Reach out and provide details about what resource we can help you with! Contact Us

Discover the importance of play, hands-on ways to engage with your child, interactive games that expand learning, and more. Comer fuera de casa con niños pequeños Start Now Dining Away from Home with Young Children Start Now Tres maneras de consolar a un niño Start Now Comfort Strategies Start Now Lidiando con sentimientos de culpa Start Now Dealing with Parental Guilt Start Now Babies Gain without Screens Start Now Los bebés ganan sin pantallas Start Now A Parent’s Guide to Raising Screen-Free Babies Start Now Be Tech Wise with Baby Start Now ¡Sea sabio con la tecnología y el bebé! Start Now How our Screen use Affects our Children Start Now Family Digital Plan- Primary School Start Now Family Digital Plan- Birth to 5 Start Now Understanding Digital Well-Being: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers Start Now Bienestar digital: Una guía para padres y cuidadores Start Now Servicios de Salud Comportamental de la Primera Infancia Start Now Early Childhood Behavioral Health Services Start Now Guía positiva para niños pequeños. Seamos consecuentes Start Now Ayudar a los niños a desarrollar el control de los impulsos Start Now ¡Sigue trabajando así! Start Now ¿Cuáles son las señales de advertencia de la tristeza y la depresión posparto? Start Now Ayudar a los niños a desarrollar el control de los impulsos Start Now Be Consistent Start Now Be Thoughtful Start Now Comforting the Irritable Child Start Now Como planificar de antemano para prevenir los berrinches Start Now Cómo usar las palabras en la disciplina de los niños Start Now Day Night Confusion in Babies Start Now Do’s and Don'ts to Comforting an Anxious Child Start Now El manejo de las quejas: Cómo planificar de antemano para evitar los berrinches Start Now El manejo de las quejas: Cómo tranquilizar a un niño irritado Start Now Feeling New Feelings Start Now Guía positiva para niños pequeños. Crea un plan Start Now Guía positiva para niños pequeños. Tomemos un descanso para tranquilizarnos Start Now Hablando con sus hijos sobre el acoso escolar Start Now Hablar con sus hijos sobre la presión social Start Now Helping children develop impulse control Start Now Helping Children Handle Disappointment Start Now La desilusión…Cómo ayudar a los niños a sobrellevarla Start Now Helping the Often Angry Child Start Now Cómo ayudar al niño que se enoja a menudo Start Now Juega bien. No muerdas Start Now Keep up the good work Start Now Keeping My Hands to Myself Start Now Las transiciones sin lágrimas Start Now Manners and Preschool Start Now Niño pequeño; ¿estrés grande? Start Now Personal Space Start Now Plan Ahead Start Now Planning Ahead to Prevent Tantrums Start Now Play Right- Don’t Bite Start Now Please Don’t Go! Separation Anxiety and Children Start Now Safe Adults to Talk to About my Feelings Start Now Sharing Toys Social Story Start Now Sleep Cues to tell if Baby is Sleepy Start Now Small Child, Big Stress Start Now Social Emotional Skills Start Now Supporting your child this holiday season Start Now Take a Break and Calm Down Start Now Talking to your children about bullying Start Now Talking to your kids about Peer Pressure Start Now Tearless Transitions Start Now Turn Taking Social Story Start Now Using Words to Discipline Children Start Now What are the warning signs of Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression? Start Now Why do Toddlers have Temper Tantrums and What do they mean? Start Now Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish Behavior & Parenting Resources Play Resources Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish Games for All Young Children Start Now Juegos para todos los niños pequeños Start Now Sing, Play, and Hear: Music’s in the Air Start Now Cantar, tocar y escuchar. Hay música en el aire Start Now What Makes a Good Toy? Start Now ¿Cuál juguete es buen juguete? Start Now Out and About with Preschoolers Start Now Al aire libre con niños preescolares Start Now Juego: Yo observo, yo siento, yo puedo Start Now Game: I Notice, I Feel, I Can Start Now Compartir con cariño Start Now Care & Share Start Now Best Toys for Babies and Toddlers Start Now Can't Find What Your Looking For? Reach out and provide details about what resource we can help you with! Contact Us

Create structured, stress-free daily routines with tips on bedtime, school prep, and transitions to support your child’s development and family well-being. Routines Resources Transición entre los padres View More Transitioning Between Parents View More Babies Gain without Screens View More Los bebés ganan sin pantallas View More Family Digital Plan - Primary School View More Family Digital Plan- Birth to 5 View More No más pañales: ¿Está listo su hijo? View More No más pañales: Cómo empezar View More A Guide to Naptime View More Bedtime for preschoolers View More Bedtime Routine Social Story View More Brushing Teeth Social Story View More Bus Safety View More Day Night Confusion in Babies View More Do Babies Sleep Better Sleeping in a Dark Room? View More El sueño y los niños preescolares View More Getting off the School Bus Social Story View More Handwashing Social Story View More Las transiciones sin lágrimas View More My Summer Routine Social Story View More Parent’s Guide to Limiting Screen Time View More Parent’s Guide to Routines for Kids View More Sleep Cues to tell if Baby is Sleepy View More Tearless Transitions View More Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish Can't Find What Your Looking For? Reach out and provide details about what resource we can help you with! Contact Us Routines Resources Transición entre los padres View More Transitioning Between Parents View More Babies Gain without Screens View More Los bebés ganan sin pantallas View More Family Digital Plan - Primary School View More Family Digital Plan- Birth to 5 View More No más pañales: ¿Está listo su hijo? View More No más pañales: Cómo empezar View More A Guide to Naptime View More Bedtime for preschoolers View More Bedtime Routine Social Story View More Brushing Teeth Social Story View More Bus Safety View More Day Night Confusion in Babies View More Do Babies Sleep Better Sleeping in a Dark Room? View More El sueño y los niños preescolares View More Getting off the School Bus Social Story View More Handwashing Social Story View More Las transiciones sin lágrimas View More My Summer Routine Social Story View More Parent’s Guide to Limiting Screen Time View More Parent’s Guide to Routines for Kids View More Sleep Cues to tell if Baby is Sleepy View More Tearless Transitions View More Filter by Age Group Ages 1-3 (Toddler) Ages 3-5 (Preschool) Ages 5-8 (K-2) Pregnant - 1 Filter by Language English Spanish