Our Programs

Building strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.

Three children coloring together at a table

Accessible, Affordable Child Care and Early Learning Programs in Illinois

Find early learning and child care programs and services designed based on the latest research and policy.

Working together with communities across Illinois, we’re making high-quality child care and early learning programs available to all children and families.

Explore 25+ Programs Designed in Collaboration with the Community

Discover programs and early childhood education options designed to support everyone committed to the wellbeing of children in our communities.

For Providers & Educators

Access funding, take professional development courses, and find support for the children and families in your community.

For Communities

Strengthen our community by making quality child care and early childhood education programs accessible and affordable for families and young children.

For Families and Caregivers

Find high-quality and affordable child care and early childhood development learning options close to home for children ages 0-5 in Illinois.

Need help with CCAP?

Illinois Action for Children is the largest Child Care Assistance Program supporting the Cook County region. See how families and providers work with us to find and pay for child care in Illinois.

Get help with CCAP

Early Child Development Programs Based on Research and Policy

At Illinois Action for Children, we design and evolve our early childhood programs based on the latest research and policy.

As the largest child care resource and referral agency in Cook County, our programs continually evolve as we discover through our research and advocate for evidence-based policies.

Advocacy & Policy

We are deeply rooted in advocacy that lifts community voices and drives policy change to benefit under-represented children and families, caregivers, educators and communities across Illinois.

Research

Our team researches the challenges that affect children and families today, driving better policies for the future.

“Over several years of working with this amazing organization, I continue to be impressed by the support that IAFC provides to the most vulnerable children in our community.”

A. Vaghasiya |Nonprofit Reviewer

Featured Program

Home Visits for Pregnant Women and Young Families

Parent educators work with pregnant women, young families, and children from birth to 3 years old to provide a strong foundation for success in school and in life.

Learn more about Home Visits

A mother on a walk with her child and a baby in a baby shoulder sling.

A group of children in a daycare hold up maracas in their hands and smile.

Become Part of We, the Village

Collaborate with us so all children in Illinois receive the child care and early education they need and parents want — from birth to kindergarten.

Join the Coalition

Featured Resource

Quality Child Care Tips and Checklists

Discover what to look for in your search for quality child care.

View the Checklists

Make Change for Illinois’ Children and Families

Take action with us to build strong families and powerful communities by transforming child care and early learning in Illinois, so all our young children can fulfill their life’s potential.

Donate Today