This information on the need for and availability of early care and education programs for low-income children in Chicago is meant to serve as a planning tool for community organizations, churches, businesses, schools, foundations and City and State officials to ensure that quality educational programs are available for Chicago's low-income children. It is part of an ongoing effort to present up-to-date, relevant information about community conditions, assets and needs for all Chicago community areas.

The information presented here has been prepared, under contract with the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services, with data collected from a wide range of government sources.

• Understanding the Data – includes sources of the data and assumptions used in the data.
• Recent Surveys of Childcare Child Care Use - offers a summary of recent surveys of Chicago families and what they reveal about childcare needs and preferences.
• Community Area Profiles - includes more detailed profiles of the poorest forty-four of Chicago’s communities.
• Search by Indicators - includes tables of information on all children in Chicago, by community area and maps displaying key trends and indicators affecting childcare demand.  Also included is a map of the Community Areas in Chicago.