Illinois Action for Children

Illinois Action for Children Uplifting Children & All Who Care for Them

Illinois Action for Children is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to quality, accessible early learning and care opportunities for children. With nearly 500 employees representing more than 20 programs and service across four sites, we have championed the cause of quality child care and early education for families and children throughout Illinois for over 50 years. Illi

nois Action for Children is a state and national leader in the early care and education community, distinguished by its "Strong Families, Powerful Communities"​ approach to child development, preschool education and other family and community supports. This broad approach to supporting children by supporting families is a proven and effective means to address overarching issues of endemic poverty, which are the root cause of the educational failure of America's poorest children. Illinois Action for Children's outreach and work with low-income, hard-to-reach families, has led us to research and implement highly effective and innovative programs and advocacy to ensure that early care and education, and other opportunities, are accessible to the children most in need. Highlights from our programs include:

- Public Policy & Advocacy organizing to expand access to child care and early education, and other supports.
- Early Learning Programs to make early education available to young children so they will be ready to succeed when they start school.
- Resource and Referral Program to connect child care providers, parents, and employers with resources such as child care referrals, professional development, health services and community supports. Our mission is to be a catalyst for organizing, developing and supporting strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.

NEW DATE AND TIME: Our End-of-Legislative Session Recap Webinar has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 24 at 12 p.m. CT. ...
06/11/2026

NEW DATE AND TIME: Our End-of-Legislative Session Recap Webinar has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 24 at 12 p.m. CT. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about what happened during this year's legislative session and what it means for Illinois' children, families, and providers.

Register today: https://hubs.li/Q04l7P-90

Last Friday, IAFC staff across the organization gathered to celebrate all that we've accomplished together this fiscal y...
06/08/2026

Last Friday, IAFC staff across the organization gathered to celebrate all that we've accomplished together this fiscal year. We especially enjoyed recognizing employees for their milestone years of service, and honoring the inaugural graduating class of the IAFC CARES Leadership Institute.

A new professional development program for staff, IAFC CARES provides a structured pathway for participants to grow and lead with purpose. Through its two cohorts, Pathways and Horizons, participants develop skills and strategies to support their team at every stage of their leadership journey.

Congratulations to our longtime staff and graduates, and thank you for all you do to uplift children and those who care for them.

06/08/2026
Join us for our End-of-Legislative Session recap webinar on Thursday, June 11 at 11 a.m. CT. Learn about the key develop...
06/08/2026

Join us for our End-of-Legislative Session recap webinar on Thursday, June 11 at 11 a.m. CT. Learn about the key developments from this legislative session, including the recently passed FY27 state budget, important bills affecting early childhood across Illinois, insights into our advocacy and engagement efforts statewide and how to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed about key legislative changes. Register today: https://hubs.li/Q04kv-dd0

06/03/2026

LeadCare Cook County and Illinois Action for Children are working together to help more child care programs provide safer drinking water! Hundreds of child care providers have already enrolled in LeadCare Cook County for free lead service line replacement. Angelic enrolled in the all-inclusive program with start-to-end support, no hidden fees, and minimal disruption. It’s your turn to join Angelic to secure safer drinking water for your child care program while space is still available.

Enroll now through July 31, 2026: https://hubs.li/Q04jYVn00

The Illinois General Assembly just passed the FY27 budget, which includes additional investments of $70M in child care a...
06/01/2026

The Illinois General Assembly just passed the FY27 budget, which includes additional investments of $70M in child care and early intervention services for families across our state. IAFC commends these efforts to strengthen and sustain critical support for families across Illinois, yet we also recognize key areas where more investment is needed. We're grateful for every advocate, provider, and lawmaker who has championed early childhood programs, but our work is far from over. Read our full FY27 legislative response: https://hubs.li/Q04jGDbf0

Congratulations to Shauna Ejeh, SVP of Programs, on receiving the 2026 Hometown Hero Award from the McCormick Institute ...
06/01/2026

Congratulations to Shauna Ejeh, SVP of Programs, on receiving the 2026 Hometown Hero Award from the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood! We are grateful for your leadership and commitment to Illinois' children, families, and communities.

Illinois Action for Children is here to make your commute to and from child care easier! We are helping parents in the s...
05/29/2026

Illinois Action for Children is here to make your commute to and from child care easier! We are helping parents in the south suburbs start Pace Vanpool groups in your area. One person drives, everyone else rides, and Pace takes care of the rest. Learn more today: https://hubs.li/Q04jlGVv0

"Babies Can't Wait!" Hundreds of providers, advocates, and educators' voices echoed in the Capitol Rotunda on May 13 as ...
05/28/2026

"Babies Can't Wait!" Hundreds of providers, advocates, and educators' voices echoed in the Capitol Rotunda on May 13 as they rallied for lawmakers to increase investments in early childhood, and we're still chanting! If you missed it, there's still time for you to join the movement and take action. Read the highlights and find out how to make your voice heard in our recap blog: https://hubs.li/Q04jjK_k0

Let’s prioritize mental wellness together this summer. On June 6, join Parent University Chicago-West for a summer event...
05/26/2026

Let’s prioritize mental wellness together this summer. On June 6, join Parent University Chicago-West for a summer event that will uplift the whole family through fun, wellness, learning, and community. From art and music therapy workshops to conversations around managing challenging behaviors and creating bully-free environments, families will have the opportunity to connect, learn, and recharge together.

You'll also enjoy:
- Free child care
- Free summer shoes giveaway and other community resources
- Exciting raffles for ClimbZone Chicago, Sloomoo Institute, White Sox tickets, and more.

Register now: https://hubs.li/Q04hXFK00

Address

4762 N. Clifton Avenue
Chicago, IL
60640

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