Chicago Commons Association

Programs: Early childhood development:chicago commons operates four high quality early education centers and works with a dozen community partner sites to provide child care and education to 1,491 children in some of chicago's most underserved neighborhoods. Commons was one of the first preschools in the u. S. To use the reggio emilia approach to 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 preschool years as crucial to the development of children as individuals. The program is based on principles of respect, responsibility, and community, and empowers children to learn through self-directed discovery. Chicago commons tailors the reggio emilia approach to meet the needs of each child. We work from the recognition that every student has the potential to love learning and, ultimately, be academically successful. Commons' four, 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 12 years.

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 provides services to 1,213 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.

family hub:chicago commons family hub program operates with the goal of improving families with children enrolled in our early education program with employment, education and financial opportunities. In 2013, chicago commons became an official financial opportunities center (foc). The foc was developed because of a longstanding community development partnership in humboldt park between chicago commons and the chicago local income support corporate (lisc). Our adult education program offers basic adult education, digital literacy, financial support, income support and employment coaching.