Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Pre-K Enrollment - Open Now!
Chicago Early Learning Applications Open for the 26-27 School
Year!
Chicago Early Learning is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year. High-quality preschool programs for children ages 0–5 are available in every Chicago neighborhood.
Whether your little one is a curious infant or a preschooler ready
to explore, there is a high-quality program waiting for them in every
neighborhood. While our enrollment is year-round, applying before the
Initial Application Period ends on April 28 is the best way to help
your family secure a spot in your top program.
For additional support see
the FAQ
page or call the Chicago Early Learning Hotline (312)-229-1690.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Neighborhood Parent Network - Hosting an Event for Parents (this weekend!)
This year's event is brand new and features discussion, support, connection, and joy!
Parents will enjoy:
Introductions to local providers - see the list here
Keynote address, Finding Joy in Grief, Tareema Jean-Baptiste, speaker
Parent-led round table discussions
Appetizers, drinks, and a curated exhibit hall
Discussion topics include:
Emotional regulation tools
Focusing on strengths rather than deficits
PDA/School Refusal
Sensory profiles
and more!
Important Information
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 5:00-8:00 PM
Location: Leep Forward/Quantum Leep Academy, 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613
Tickets: Free for parents when you register using the green "Register Now" button on this page (mobile users scroll down).
Providers: Email amy@npnparents.org to register.
Special Note: To get the most out of this event, we encourage parents to attend without their children. However, parents who have registered in advance and arrive with their children will not be turned away.
Contact: amy@npnparents.org
Register using the link below!
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Chicago's Largest Playdate!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicagos-largest-playdate-tickets-1985889420716
Celebrate the Week of the Young Child with the Mayor’s Office
Saturday, April 11
10 AM – 1 PM at Maggie Daley Park
FREE for ALL Families!
Join us for a massive citywide celebration designed just for young children (birth to age 5) and their families.
Enjoy a fun-filled outdoor experience with hands-on Earth Day activities, creative play, and resources to support your child’s early learning journey!
- 🚆 FREE CTA Ride-Shares: We are providing free CTA passes to help families get to and from the fun! Registration required to claim your free CTA pass and secure your spot!
- 🖍️ Fun & Games: Enjoy coloring stations, make and take crafts, parachute games, and photo keepsakes.
- 🎒 Secure Your Preschool Seat: Our application support team will be on-site to help you easily apply for early learning programs for the 2026–2027 school year.
- Special Appearances: We’re bringing together some of Chicago’s favorite faces and local organizations to join the fun! Keep an eye out for special guest appearances and interactive booths throughout the park.
And more!
Friday, March 13, 2026
Kids Above All - Trauma Informed Counseling
Kids Above All offers trauma informed counseling, camps and other programming for children and families in Chicago as well as suburban Cook and Lake Counties. Medicaid is accepted!
Nutrition and Autism - Caregiver Workshop
REGISTRATION LINK
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Thursday, March 5, 2026
Parent Informational Session - Transition from Early Intervention to Public Schools
DATE: Friday, March 20th, 2026 from 11 am - 1 pm
LOCATION: Zoom
A Family's Guide to the Transition from Early
Intervention to Early Childhood Services
This
training was created by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois
Department of Human Services to gently guide your family and child as you move
from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education.
We know
this can be a big change, and we want to make sure you feel supported every
step of the way. This training is here to help you navigate the process with
confidence, covering:
- Timelines and key steps so you know what to expect
- Roles & Responsibilities, helping you know who to
connect with and what their purpose is
- Transition meetings, so you are prepared & confident
sharing your input & questions
- Building strong partnerships with the people who will
be working with your child
- Positive Strategies to help your child adapt and
thrive in their new environment
Register HERE
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Families with Children Navigating Complex Medical Needs
Learn about the benefits of DSCC’ s(Division of Specialized Care for Children) care coordination and how
your family can access it at this free webinar.
The Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) Connect Group will host “How to Obtain Free Pediatric Care Coordination” on Zoom on March 5 from 7 to 8 p.m.
https://dscc.uic.edu/events/webinar-how-to-obtain-free-pediatric-care-coordination/
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Family Town Hall - Early Intervention
Dear Early Intervention Families,
The director of the Bureau of Early Intervention is hosting
virtual town halls with families of children in early intervention. During this
time, you can share your experiences, ask questions, and voice your suggestions
to improve early intervention. Benny Delgado, Chief of the Bureau of Early
Intervention, will be present to personally answer questions and respond to
comments.
These meetings will be held online, and information will be
presented in English and Spanish. The next town hall will be on Thursday,
February 19, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM in English/ASL and 11:00 AM – 12:00
PM in Spanish. If you are interested in participating, please register using
the link here: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/586748368
To find out more and for previous meeting notes, visit our
website: https://eiclearinghouse.org/blogs/familytownhall/
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
RAIN is a mesmerizing and intimate sensory experience for babies and their families in which they are invited to slow down, notice, and wonder. Audiences are invited to participate in an experience that responds to the generosity of rain. Carers and their littlest ones are immersed in an intimate and mindful installation space full of surprise, delight and opportunities for connection through sound, touch and performance.
A trio of performers on cello, voice, and movement act as gentle guides in a brand-new world of surprise, delight, and opportunities for connection through sound, touch, and performance.
Run Dates: January 6 – 18 , 2026
Performance Times: Tuesdays and
Wednesdays at 9:30am, Saturdays at
9am and 11am, Sundays at 11am and 2pm
Performance Length: 45-60 minutes
Ages: Newborn to crawling babies (walking
babies and older children not permitted)
Price Range: $15-28 (financial access pricing available)
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