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Head Start and Early Head Start

Families and communities want the best for their children. We partner with more than 35 independently operated early childhood programs in Chicago and suburban Cook County to provide welcoming, high-quality learning for children ages 0-5 and pregnant women/expectant families.

At our directly operated centers, community-based partner centers, and home visiting programs, we work alongside parents to help children of all abilities develop a love of learning and prepare for a lifetime of success.

Apply Now

If you're a parent of a child aged 0–5 and looking for the right early learning program, or a licensed childcare center interested in partnership opportunities, we invite you to learn more about what we offer. To learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start, please visit: https://nhsa.org/.

Apply Now - Chicago

Apply Now - Suburban Cook County

Why Head Start/Early Head Start?

Who is eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start?

Why Head Start and Early Head Start at Easterseals?

Gilchrist Marchman Child Development Center and Easterseals Early Learning Center – Hickory Hills

Partner Center Locations

Home-Based Early Head Start (Home Visiting)

Information for Centers Interested in Partnership

Parent Handbooks and Supplements

Transitioning from Early Head Start to Head Start

Kindergarten Learning Moments

Transitioning to Kindergarten: Staff and Family Resources

Preschool Transition Tips

Program leader

Amy Blythe

Assistant Vice President of Early Learning Services

Amy Blythe is the Assistant Vice President of Early Learning Services.

View Full Bio

Events

See our upcoming events.

Event
  • 06/06/2025 at 8:00 am

Swing for a Cause: The 43rd Annual Golf Classic

On June 6th, join us for a fun- and sun-filled day at our Annual Golf Classic, a time when we come together to celebrate our community, our impact and our mission. New this year: our first annual Pickleball Tournament, open to all! Sponsorship opportunities and raffle packages are now available, with exciting live and silent auction items coming soon. All proceeds benefit our education programs and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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Parenting and Caregiving

Disability and Early Intervention

Latest

Blog
  • 04/10/2025

Easterseals and Head Start: Expanding Early Education and Family Resources in Our Communities

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford collaborates with nearly 40 independently-operated early childhood programs in Chicago and suburban Cook County through Head Start and Early Head Start. These programs provide transformative early learning services to low-income families. For children aged 5 and younger, enrichment is year-round in inviting classrooms led by caring professionals. With favorable teacher-child ratios and an evolving curriculum, children receive the support they need to thrive.

Blog
  • 12/20/2024

Rene Martinez Steps Into a New Role as Program Manager for Partnering with Parents

Rene Martinez moves into a new role as Program Manager for Partnering with Parents, after 11 years serving the Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford communities as part of the Early Learning Services team. As Program Manager for Partnering with Parents, Rene will continue to empower parents and caregivers, inspiring them to believe in their ability to create bright futures for their children.

Document
  • 10/14/2024

Head Start/Early Head Start Center List Oct 2024

Video
  • 10/13/2023

Video: Head Start and Early Head Start Program Video

Early Education overview from our Head Start and Early Head Start Program

Blog
  • 08/15/2023

Rhonda Robinson Named New Vice-President of Early Learning Services

We are thrilled to announce that Rhonda Robinson has been appointed our new Vice-President of Early Learning Services.

Video
  • 07/07/2023

Video: All About Head Start/Early Head Start Services

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford is one of two of the largest providers of Head Start/Early Head Start services in Chicagoland and our loving, committed staff shine. Check out this thorough video to better understand our work, our mission, vision, snd values, and why we may be a good fit for your child. Then, apply for free childcare and early learning. We also provide home-visiting services for pregnant and new parents.

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