Early Education and Care

Why is Early Education Important?

Your child’s brain is developing faster in the first five years than any other time in their life. Quality early learning programs not only support your child’s early development, but also improves their education, employment, and health outcomes later in life! Children who experience quality early learning programs are 25% more likely to graduate high school, 4x more likely to complete a higher education degree, and earn up to 25% more in wages as an adult. Learn more about early education here. 

Not every family needs the same kind of care. Programming and care can range from child care centers, head start, family care and more! Illinois Cares for Kids offers information of different types of child care. Learn more about what type of care makes sense for your family here.

Early child care programs help a child’s development by stimulating their physical, cognitive and social emotional learning everyday. In Illinois, early childhood providers use the ExceleRate Illinois to evaluate the quality and improvement of early care and education programs. A programs quality is ranked by Licensed, Bronze, Silver or Gold. Learn more about each circle of quality here. 

Early Learning Centers Near You

• Need help looking for an early learning program near you? Filter through programs by city, county, zip code, and Circle of Quality here.
• Head Start and Early Head Start
  • Head Start programs support children’s growth and development from ages 0-5 through services that focus on early learning, health, and family well-being. Programs deliver child development services in center-based, home-based or family child care settings. All programs work to ensure income-eligible families receive high-quality services to prepare children for school. Head Start programs work with children 3-5 years of age while Early Head Start works with children ages birth to 3. Learn if your family is eligible for Head Start programs!
  • To locate a Head Start near you, use the Head Start Center Locator, and enter your city or zip code. 
• Preschool for All and Preschool for All Expansion 
  • Preschool for All (PFA) is a state funded preschool program for income-eligible children ages 3-5. PFA programs focus on providing high-quality education to prepare children for success in school. PFA programs typically offer at least 12.5 hours per week, while Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) offers full day options. View more information on these services.