Dedicated to strengthening
the lives of Chicago children, families and communities
The Department of Family and Support Services, Children Services Division is dedicated to helping Chicago's youngest residents make the most of their lives and potential. We manage Head Start, Early Head Start, child care and youth programs throughout Chicago. We work on behalf of families to ensure they receive quality programming.
Latest Provider News
2011 Head Start Federal Review Report
From 4/24/2011 to 5/6/2011, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) conducted an on-site monitoring review of the City of Chicago Head Start program as well as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)-funded Early Head Start Program (attached). We wish to thank the governing body, Policy Council, staff and parents of your program for their cooperation and assistance during the review. This Head Start Review Report has been issued as legal notice of the results of the on-site program review.
Download Report
2012 Directory of Head Start Delegate Agencies
The 2012 Directory of Head Start Delegate Agencies is available for download. The directory is a thorough listing of all DFSS agencies and their sites, including other important information such as addresses, phone numbers and web sites.
Download Directory
Professional Development Scholarship Information
In order to assist Delegate Agency Staff in meeting their educational goals, the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is offering virtually full coverage of tuition and possibly books and fees (some institutions may require a minor charge). In order to take advantage of these opportunities, please review the general requirements listed below before you apply.
1. Applicants must be a current employee in a DFSS Funded Head Start, Early Head Start, Family Child Care Home, Child Care, or Child Care Collaboration program.
2. Applicants must be in good standing at their current place of employment.
3. Upon completion of their chosen educational program, applicants must commit to maintaining employment for 3 years in a DFSS funded HS, EHS, or FCCH program.
4. Applicants must submit a completed DFSS Scholarship Application form along with a letter of recommendation from the Agency, Program or Site Director. Letters of recommendation for Partner Sites must be certified and completed by DA. These materials should be mailed to:
City of Chicago - Department of Family and Support Services
1615 W Chicago Ave - 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60622
5. DFSS will maximize additional resources in conjunction with the scholarship including Gateway to Learning, Pell Grants, etc.
6. Acceptance of application is contingent upon verification of educational data in COPA.
Scholarship Application | School-Age Scholarship Application | Professional Development Opportunities Booklet
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