- Programs
- For Providers & Educators
- For Communities
- For Parents & Families
- Advocacy & Policy
- Research
- Make An Impact
- About IAFC
55 Years of Transforming Children’s Lives with Child Care and Early Learning Opportunities
Since 1969, we’ve advocated on behalf of children and families while transforming child care and early learning programs in Cook County and across Illinois.
Join Us for our annual benefit
A Time To Shine 2024: Championing Children & Changing Lives
Thursday, October 10 | Harold Washington Library Center
Join fellow supporters—including community members, advocates, generous donors, corporate partners, and civic leaders—as we commemorate IAFC’s rich legacy of championing children and changing lives.
Enjoy a dynamic evening of delicious food, meaningful conversation, and powerful stories of impact.
A Time to Shine 2024
Learn more about our featured guests, recognition recipients and sponsorship opportunities.
Programs and Opportunities
For Parents & Families
Find high-quality and affordable child care and early learning options close to home for children ages 0-5 in Illinois.
For Providers & Educators
Access funding, take professional development courses, and find early childhood supports for the children and families in your community.
For Communities
Strengthen your community by making quality child care and early childhood learning opportunities accessible and affordable.
For Advocates
Join our coalition, take action, and advocate for changes in Illinois’ early childhood system so all children receive the child care and early learning programs they deserve.
Overview
Illinois’ Child Care and Early Learning Leaders
By listening to the voices in our community and taking action, we improve access and create lasting change in the child care and early learning systems.
Our approach interweaves research, advocacy and policy, and innovative programming, so all children and families have access to high-quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities.
Every child deserves safe, high-quality child care and early learning opportunities.
Improving Access to High-Quality Child Care and Early Education
We serve 150,000 children and families every year, ensuring access to high-quality early care and education opportunities.
6215
Advocates educating and empowering families and the public across Illinois
1165
Children (ages 0-5) receiving high-quality early care and education through IAFCs Early Learning Programs
97203
Total Children Served
189622
Children, Families, and Providers Served
Need help with CCAP?
Illinois Action for Children is the largest administrator of the Child Care Assistance Program in Cook County. See how we help providers and families find and pay for child care in Illinois.
Get Involved with Illinois Action for Children
Take action with us to transform early child care and early learning in Illinois.
Featured Webinar
Funding Priorities of Child Care Providers: Where Would Increased Investment Go?
In this recorded webinar, our team and policy makers share how increased funding for child care providers could be distributed.
Our History
Taking Action for Children and Families Since 1969
“What about the children?” — Sylvia Cotton
Outraged by the lack of quality child care alternatives for working parents in Chicago and across the state, Sylvia Cotton founded the Day Care Crisis Council of Metropolitan Chicago in 1969 — what is today known as Illinois Action for Children.
For more than 50 years, we’ve helped working families find safe, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities, while simultaneously advocating for the permanent change needed to best serve our communities’ children and families.
