Start Early’s vision is for every child in the City of Chicago to have access to a continuum of high-quality early childhood services before birth and through age 5 – services that are inclusive and culturally, linguistically and ability- responsive. Our work is cemented in our commitment to diversity and heavily informed by research, practice and the lived experiences of the families and professionals we serve in Chicago.
Our Work in Chicago
Every Child Ready Chicago
The Every Child Ready Chicago (ECRC) Strategic Framework is a comprehensive three-year plan to ensure that every young child in Chicago has equitable access to high-quality early childhood education and resources. Developed in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, this framework is a roadmap to creating a brighter future for our city’s youngest residents.
Chicago Public Schools
The Strengthening Inclusion for Young Learners in Chicago pilot was a collaboration between Start Early, Chicago’s five other federal Head Start grant recipients and Chicago Public Schools to bring inclusive special education services into community-based early childhood settings.
Our four-year Chicago Policy Agenda represents our priorities in the City of Chicago through Fiscal Year 2027.
Chicago
Resources & News
Contact Us
Connect with our team to learn more about our work or discuss how we can support policy and advocacy work for your organization.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on early childhood policy issues and how you can take action to ensure all children have access to quality early learning and care in Illinois.
Take Action
Raise your voice and encourage lawmakers to prioritize early learning and care at the local, state and federal level.