Welcome, Parents! This section of the Children Services Division website is dedicated to assist parents as well as anyone who cares for children. Below, you will find Citywide Parent Policy Council (CPPC) resources.
Are you interested in enrolling your child(ren) in a Chicago Early Learning (CEL) Program? Enrollment for CEL Programs is OPEN YEAR ROUND for families to apply.
CEL programs include Head Start and Early Head Start which incorporate high quality early learning experiences led by qualified teachers, free breakfast and lunch served family style, and wrap around services to support the whole family. CEL programs include home-visiting, licensed family child care homes, and center-based care to meet the needs of individual families. Some of our programs are available for a full day 7.5 hours, and working families can find extended day programs.
Chicago Early Learning offers programs in a variety of settings. With 600+ preschool options in Chicago, you’ll find a program to fit your family’s needs.
Learn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreFamilies that are specifically looking for Head Start & Pre-K programs for 3 and 4-year-olds can either call a provider listed on the Chicago Program Locator or apply through the Online Application.
Learn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreThe Citywide Parent Policy Council (CPPC) provides program direction recommendations and approves grants, budgets, and policies and procedures for the DFSS Head Start program. The CPPC consists of members elected by their peers from each of DFSS’ Head Start delegate agencies and community representatives who are subject matter experts in fields related to Head Start and its components and mission or former Head Start parents. If you are interested in becoming a community representative, please complete and submit the nomination form available below: The CPPC conducts an open meeting monthly.
In addition, the CPPC is steered by its Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is elected by CPPC delegates and consists of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. In addition, there is a Community Representative position on the Executive Committee who maybe voted in by the current CPPC. The Executive Committee Community Representative must be a former Head Start parent.
The CPPC is governed by its Bylaws that it establishes, revises, and approves on an annual basis.
The CPPC provides additional information to the CPPC members concerning its role and responsibilities.
CPPC executive council meets once a month prior to full council monthly meeting. CPPC full council meets once a month on the third Tuesday of every month. CPPC Full Council Meetings are hybrid.
Learn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreThe CPPC has created a series of forms and templates that can help members conduct meetings, fulfill their responsibilities, and learn more about program governance and the CPPC’s role.
The nomination form must be submitted for CPPC elections for the following open offices: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Community Representative, and Community Representative to the Executive Committee. Click on the form to read descriptions on each position.
Please encourage your agency’s parent delegate to run for office.
The Complaint Form gives parents and members of the community the opportunity to communicate a complaint or concern about a particular issue with the CPPC and DFSS staff. The CPPC Governance Handbook describes the policies and procedures that accompany this form. Instructions for submission are included on the form.
CPPC parent delegates may submit this form to CPPC Executive Committee in advance of monthly meetings to share activities, information, and/or concerns from their delegate agency policy committee.
The Out of Town Conference Travel Application should be completed by CPPC members who are requesting approval for traveling for CPPC business. Please see the CPPC Program Governance Handbook for the corresponding policy.
The Child Care Reimbursement Form should be completed by CPPC members for child care allowance while attending CPPC meetings. Please see the CPPC Program Governance Handbook for the corresponding policy.
The Out of Town Conference Expense Form should be completed by CPPC members who have received approval to travel for CPPC business. This form is used to track expenses while traveling for approved CPPC business. Please see the CPPC Program Governance Handbook for the corresponding policy.
This form provides parents and members of the community the opportunity to communicate a complaint or concern about a particular issue with the CPPC and DFSS staff.
