Early Childhood

Chicago parents: What are you doing for child care this summer?

By 
Eileen Pomeroy
 | July 11, 2022, 5:38pm UTC
Several children play on a green and yellow outdoor play structure in Chicago.
Child care can be a challenge. Chalkbeat wants to hear about what you’ve been doing for child care this summer. (Youngrae Kim for Chalkbeat)

Finding child care for the summer is no easy task. In 2022, the ongoing pandemic, staffing shortages, rising costs, and the return to in-person work has made the endeavor even more challenging. So how’s it going? 

Chalkbeat Chicago wants to hear from local parents who have children under 10 about what you are doing for child care this summer and any issues you’ve encountered. We’re looking for input by Tuesday, July 19. Our submission form is below. If you prefer a phone call, you can also reach our reporter Eileen Pomeroy at (717) 816-8032. Questions? We’re always listening at community@chalkbeat.org.

If you are having trouble viewing this form on mobile, go here.

The Latest
Special education, civil rights offices hit hard by latest round of Education Department layoffs

Only a few top officials remain in the office that oversees the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the employees union said.

By 
Collin Binkley, Associated Press
 | Today, 6:40pm UTC
Trump administration to lay off dozens more Education Department employees to raise shutdown stakes

Nearly everyone below the director level in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education is set to lose their job, an employee union said.

By 
Seung Min Kim and Stephen Groves, Associated Press
 | October 11
Mamdani wants to change gifted and talented in NYC. Here’s how the program has already shifted.

Mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has reignited the debate over gifted and talented in NYC. New data reveals the program is becoming more diverse, but challenges remain.

By 
Michael Elsen-Rooney
and
Alex Zimmerman
 | October 10
CU Denver and Aurora schools partnership expands easier admissions policies in Colorado

Easier admissions policies have started to grow in popularity in Colorado.

By 
Jason Gonzales
 | October 10
Some Philadelphia preschools relying on loans, personal savings to stay open during budget impasse

Without state funding, preschool providers say they’ve been forced to take out loans and drain personal savings

By 
Rebecca Redelmeier
 | October 10
New Wayne State program aims to remove college barriers for DPSCD students

The hope is that acceptance at a major university will build students’ confidence and they will enroll there or at another college, said DPSCD Deputy Superintendent Alycia Meriweather.

By 
Micah Walker, BridgeDetroit and Kim Kozlowski, Bridge Michigan
 | October 10