Interested in becoming a partner? Connect with WeGo Together for Kids to collaborate on initiatives that support families and children in West Chicago. Become a Partner Help us accomplish our mission of impacting families and children throughout the WeGo community! 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 Contact us First name Last name Email(Required) Phone(Required) Organization(Required) Message(Required) Submit

For 20 years, WeGo Together for Kids has brought our community together to support families, build connections, and create lasting change. Explore our story and see how we’ve grown together through the years. Our History For 20 years, WeGo Together for Kids has brought our community together to support families, build connections, and create lasting change. Explore our story and see how we’ve grown together through the years. 2005-2006 2009-2013 2014-2018 2019-2020 2021-2023 2024 2025 & Beyond WeGo Together for Kids remains committed to our mission to support and enhance the health, safety, learning, and well-being of West Chicago children and families through a collaborative, coordinated, and comprehensive approach. Connecting our community, strengthening our families 2024 WeGo Cooks program begins at District 94, with local chefs teaching students to prepare healthy meals. Seven new funders are secured for various programs and initiatives Community Events begin to connect families to new experiences and locations. Emerging need for mental health support results in new parent and teen trainings and five social work interns focused on wellness. Mobile Rx Food Distribution begins at Timber Lake Apartments. 160+ families served monthly. WGTK adds three staff positions – Housing Navigator, Early Childhood Manager and Program Manager. 2023 More than 60 agencies are active in WGTK. Communications Manager staff position added. Small Bites nutritional snack club expands to all District 33 schools. Playground at Main Park Apartments is built. The annual Back to School Event resumes in person and moves to Cantigny Park. 2021- 2022 Governance charter approved by Steering Committee and partners. Transition of administrative sponsorship from District 33 to Metropolitan Family Services. Coordinator of Partnerships resigns. Full time Director is hired whose solely responsible is for WGTK. WGTK’s website launches. Major fire at Main Park Apartments activates WGTK partners to provide long term support. 2020 WGTK Steering Committee begins working with consultant via Illinois Action for Children to develop governance charter During the pandemic, WGTK serves as a hub for funding, information sharing and community response. WGTK Partners respond to food accessibility needs by moving the WeGo Market to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. Hundreds of families are served weekly. 2019 WGTK Founding Director resigns. Coordinator of Partnership position redesigned and oversees District 33’s Department of Partnerships and WGTK. 2016-2018 Community School Coordinators and Family Liaison positions are created WGTK receives Siemer Institute funding for work involving children experiencing homelessness and academic achievement. 2014-2015 Coordinator of Partnerships staff position created. WeGo Market opens at Leman Middle School. WGTK is awarded a federal Full Service Community Schools Grant for District 33 WGTK identifies six key result areas: Academic achievement, Youth and family health, Stable families, Community engagement, Emergency preparedness and Early childhood. 2009-2011 SS/HS grant ends but partners agree collaborative work is important and needs to continue. Collaboration has increased to 40 agencies. District 33 takes on administrative sponsor role and funds WGTK Director position. 2013 WGTK becomes first suburban United Way of Metro Chicago Neighborhood Network (UWNN) and receives grant funds for staff and programs. Metropolitan Family Services becomes fiscal sponsor. District 33 continues at administrative sponsor and houses staff. 2006 First WGTK collaboration meeting held with 14 partner agencies represented. Community Mental Health Clinicians are hired to serve District 33 children and families. 2005 Department of Justice Safe Schools, Healthy Students (SS/HS) grant awarded to District 33 focusing on violence prevention. WeGo Together for Kids Director (WGTK) is hired.

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Join us at Cantigy in Wheaton for our annual back-to-school event! An evening full of family events, entertainment, and school supply giveaways! Back To School Event Join us August 10th at Cantigny Park for a special event for West Chicago students and families. The event will feature a backpack giveaway, 70+ community resource partners, health fair, safety zone, and raffles. LOCATION : Cantigny Park Date : August 10th, 2025 Time : 5:30-7:30 pm Sign Up for Volunteering! We’re looking for volunteers for our Back-to-School Event! Volunteers will be assigned to different areas to help make the day a success. Keep an eye out for the 2026 volunteer sign-up form when it becomes available! Coming Soon! Próximamente Resource Partner Sign Up! Be part of this year’s Back to School Event and help create a fun, engaging day for West Chicago families! We invite partners to host an activity for school-aged children that ties into a back-to-school theme or your organization’s mission. Giveaways for kids and resources for parents are welcome. Click below to register and get more details about what to bring and how to prepare. Registration coming soon! Support Us! WeGo Together for Kids is proud to support West Chicago families through our annual Back to School Event on August 10th. Each K–12 student receives a backpack filled with supplies, and this year, we anticipate serving over 1,900 students. You can help by donating items directly through our Amazon Wishlist, every contribution makes a difference. Support! Back to School Event Guidelines! We're happy to welcome families! Please review these guidelines to ensure a smooth event. Everyone is welcome to attend. Preschoolers from Educare West DuPage, D33 students (preschool through 8th grade), and D94 students will receive backpacks with essential school supplies. Backpacks are limited. Entry to Cantigny is free on the day of the event. Please mention WeGo Together for Kids at the gate. Families may begin lining up as early as 4:30 PM. Event entry starts at 5:30 PM. No ID is necessary to attend. Have fun! Business Sponsor List

xplore our full list of resources, including mental health support, early childhood programs, The Basics insights, and housing services for families Resources Explore a wide range of resources to support you and your family. From housing and mental health services to early childhood programs and more, our goal is to connect you with the help you need. Early Childhood View Resource Mental Health View Resource Housing View Resource The Basics View Resource

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Explore a complete library of early childhood resources, including parenting tips, education tools, and child development support to help families in West Chicago thrive. Early Childhood At WeGo Together for Kids, we believe every child’s journey should be filled with support, wonder, learning, and love — and it all starts from the moment your child is born! Whether you're a brand-new parent or growing your family, we’re here to connect you with the tools, programs, and support that help your little one dream big and shine even brighter. Let’s build a strong, joyful foundation together! EC Resources View Resource EC Providers View Resource The Basics View Resource Frequently asked questions General Why is Early Childhood so important? 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. What Programs Are Available to West Chicago Families? 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! What is Early Intervention? 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. What is Home Visiting? 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. What is the Difference Between Day Care and Preschool? 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 What is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)? 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.(https://www.illinoiscaresforkids.org/infant-en/early-care-and-education/child-care-assistance-program) Can I become a Home Child Care Provider? Yes you can! To learn more about how you can become a quality child care provider click here.(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mBuoF6ao8wJ1KXhX67ztn3Wy6ZmMhMG_/view?usp=sharing)

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Housing Resources West Chicago Apartments Aspen Ridge Apartments 1440 S Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago, IL 60185 (630) 231‑7442 Website Timber Lake Apartments 1200 Kings Circle, West Chicago, IL 60185 (855) 418‑6682 Website Towne & Country Apartments 700 W Forest Ave, West Chicago, IL 60185 (630) 293‑0420 Email: townencountrymgmt@HHDEVCORP.com Website Riverwoods Apartments 851 Lorlyn Dr, West Chicago, IL 60185 (630) 231‑3290 Website Main Park Apartments 801 Burr Oaks Dr, West Chicago, IL 60185 (331) 800‑2929 Website Revir Apartments Located near the West Chicago Police Station (847)861-5192 Call for availability and exact location

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

Help your child get ready for school with resources on early learning, literacy, social skills, and preschool/kindergarten preparation. Apoyando a su hijo emocionalmente con los tres N's Start Now Back to School Social Story Start Now Bedtime Routine Social Story Start Now Bedtime for preschoolers Start Now Before and After School Care Start Now Bus Safety Social Story Start Now Cinco consejos para esocojer un programa de preescolar Start Now Cuando tenga 3 años, ¿en dónde estaré? La transición de la intervención temprana a otros programas Start Now Dissecting the IEP 6 Part Webinar Series on Demand Start Now Diversión en casa con los niños preescolares. ¡Prepárate para leer! 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La ansiedad de separación y los niños Start Now ¿Qué es un IEP? Start Now ¿Qué es “The Basics”? 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 School Readiness Routine Resources School Readiness Routine 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 Apoyando a su hijo emocionalmente con los tres N's View More Back to School Social Story View More Bedtime Routine Social Story View More Bedtime for preschoolers View More Before and After School Care View More Bus Safety Social Story View More Cinco consejos para esocojer un programa de preescolar View More Cuando tenga 3 años, ¿en dónde estaré? La transición de la intervención temprana a otros programas View More Dissecting the IEP 6 Part Webinar Series on Demand View More Diversión en casa con los niños preescolares. ¡Prepárate para leer! View More Early Childcare Resources View More Early Detection/Early Intervention View More Early Intervention and Your Legal Rights View More El primer día de preescolar de su hijo View More El sueño y los niños preescolares View More Entorno Menos Restrictivo: GUÍA DE RECURSOS FAMILIARES View More Five Tips on Choosing a Preschool View More Fun at Home with Preschoolers- Getting Ready to Read! View More Get them to School Every Day View More Getting Ready for Kindergarten View More Getting Ready to Read View More Getting off the School Bus Socal Story View More Hablando con sus hijos sobre el acoso escolar View More Hablar con sus hijos sobre la presión social View More How to prepare your child emotionally to go back to school View More Keppler Learning Center View More La guía esencial para el regreso a clase View More La preparación para el kindergarten View More Las transiciones sin lágrimas View More Least Restrictive Environment: FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE View More Llévenlos a la escuela cada día View More Manners and Preschool View More Off 2 School View More Parent’s Guide to Playing with Baby at 1 Month Old View More Parent’s Guide to Playtime View More Parent’s Guide to Stages of Play View More Parent’s Guide to Structured vs. Unstructured Play View More Please Don’t Go! Separation Anxiety and Children View More Por qué es importante la educación en la primera infancia View More Prepárate para leer View More Prepárate para leer View More Reading at Home View More Recursos para cuidado infantil View More Rights and Protections for Preschoolers with Disabilities and Developmental Delays and their Families View More Sharing Toys Social Story View More Talking to your children about bullying View More Talking to your kids about Peer Pressure View More Tearless Transitions View More The Basics Insights - Programa de mensajes de texto Spanish View More The Basics Insights - Text Messaging Program ENG View More The Essential Back to School Guide View More The Purpose of Intentional Play in Early Development View More What are the Basics Principles? View More What is an IEP? View More What is developmental screening? View More Why Early Childhood Education Matters View More Your child’s first day in preschool View More ¡No te vayas por favor! La ansiedad de separación y los niños View More ¿Qué es un IEP? View More ¿Qué es “The Basics”? View More Can't Find What Your Looking For? Reach out and provide details about what resource we can help you with! Contact Us