Early Head Start at El Valor is a free, dual-language program for expectant families, infants, and toddlers in Chicago. In small, nurturing classrooms, trained educators support every area of your child’s development while families receive the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
Who This Program Is For
This program is for working parents and parents attending school who need full-day care for their infant or toddler. It is also for any family that wants their youngest child to have a strong developmental foundation in a warm, bilingual environment.
Our classrooms serve children in small groups organized by age: 15-month-olds, 18-month-olds, and two-year-olds. Each group has its own teachers and its own daily rhythm. If your child has a developmental need, our team is trained to recognize it early and walk your family through the next steps.
For many families, Early Head Start is a child’s first experience outside the home. We take that seriously. Our infant and toddler classrooms are calm, nurturing spaces where children feel safe to explore. Every day includes time for play, music, stories, meals, and rest. Children nap for up to two hours each afternoon, because growing is hard work.
Our trained educators are early childhood professionals with degrees in the field. They focus on every area of your child’s development: language, motor skills, social connection, and cognitive growth. They celebrate first words, first steps, and every milestone in between.
We provide developmental screenings within the first 45 days to see where your child is and what support they might need. If additional therapy or early intervention services would help, our team walks you through the referral process step by step. You will never navigate that system alone.
Most of our teachers are bilingual in English and Spanish. Children hear both languages every day, building vocabulary and comfort in two languages from the very beginning. We also serve families from many backgrounds, including Haitian Creole-speaking and Chinese-speaking communities.
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are prepared fresh every day in our on-site kitchens. Meals are age-appropriate and culturally relevant. Every child receives their daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and milk. For the little ones, our staff works with families to support feeding milestones and healthy eating habits.
Parents are always welcome in our infant and toddler classrooms. Come in, sit with your child, and have breakfast together. Talk with the teachers about what your child did today, what they are learning, and what comes next.
Every family is assigned a Family Advocate who helps with your personal and family goals. Whether you need help finding a pediatric dentist, learning English, or connecting with community resources, your advocate is there for you.
You are also invited to attend parent workshops, join our Policy Council, and volunteer. Your input helps shape the program your child is in.
When your child turns three, they can move directly into El Valor’s Head Start preschool program. The community, the culture of care, and the bilingual approach stay the same. Your family does not start over. You simply keep moving forward.
Enrollment is based on household income using the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Families receiving SNAP benefits may automatically qualify. Families with a child who needs extra developmental support or families facing challenges like homelessness may also receive priority.
Our team reviews your information and contacts you to schedule a visit. You will see the classroom, meet the teachers, and get your questions answered. Because infant and toddler spots fill quickly, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Early Head Start is a federally funded program for children 15 months to age 3, as well as prenatal support for parents. At El Valor it includes full-day, center-based care with bilingual educators, developmental screenings, family support services, and nutritious meals prepared on-site.
Our center-based Early Head Start classrooms serve children from 15 months through age 3, organized by age group. For families with younger infants or expectant parents, we also offer a Home-Visiting Program with weekly home visits.
Yes. Infant and toddler spots are in high demand. We encourage families to apply as early as possible. Our enrollment team will let you know your status and keep you updated as spots open.
Yes. Children of all ability levels are welcome. We provide developmental screenings and support families through the referral process for early intervention or therapy services when needed.
Children who complete Early Head Start can move directly into El Valor’s Head Start preschool for ages 3 to 5. This gives your family continuity and your child a familiar, trusted community as they prepare for kindergarten.
