Chicago Commons Association

Early Childhood Development:Chicago Commons has four directly operated early education centers and partners with six external agencies to offer developmentally appropriate learning opportunities, high quality child care, and family centered supports to more than 1,700 children in 18 of Chicago's most underinvested communities. Chicago Commons was one of the first preschools in the U.S. to use the Reggio Emilia approach in educating young children and has garnered regional and national recognition for our approach, results, and adaptations of the method. The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy that views the early years as the most critical time of an individual's development. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery, in a supportive and enriching environment, guided by children's interests. Chicago Commons tailors the Reggio Emilia approach to promote development for all children including those will inclusive care needs. In our use of the approach, we foster children's natural curiosity, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills to support a love for learning, leading to academic achievement in kindergarten and beyond. Our year-round early education centers provide quality Early Head Start, Head Start, Preschool For All, Prevention Initiative, and child care services for children from birth to 5 years. We also offer school age services for children 5-12 years of age.

Family Hub:Chicago Commons Family Hub Program seeks to address the multifaceted needs of families with young children and older adults with the supportive environment, resources, and holistic approach that will enable success. Family Hub pairs early education and senior programs with employment, post-secondary education, financial wellness, and health and wellness services. The program provided services to 556 clients during fiscal year 2022.

Senior Services:Chicago Commons Senior Services operates one adult day service center and provides in-home services for seniors and adults with disabilities. The program provided services to 1,000 seniors and adults with disabilities to help them continue living in their own home prolonging, and in some cases preventing, the need for institutional care.