Families with young children can look to the Collaboration for Early Childhood for information about early development and resources, finding child care or preschool and parenting support.
The organization, funded in part by the Village and local school districts, offers free coaching for parents of infants and toddlers and works with local organizations to find and enroll eligible children in pre-school and Head Start programs.
Parents concerned about their child’s physical, social or emotional development also can look to the Collaboration for screening and referrals to additional services.
In addition, the Collaboration publishes an early childhood resource directory that lists child care centers, preschools and family child care programs in the community.
Collaboration ambassadors participate in local events and even go door-to-door to make sure families have the information they need to support their young children. Neighbors also are encouraged to spread the word about these free services to families living on their block or to those who are new to Oak Park.
For more information on local early childhood resources, including eligibility for programs, call 708.613.6122, email info@collab4kids.org or visit collab4kids.org.