Overview

This brief is part of a broader analysis of early care and education (ECEC) funding in Chicago, supported by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Using fiscal mapping, CELFE examines how federal, state, and local funding flows across Chicago Community Areas and United Way Neighborhood Networks.

The analysis shows that funding varies widely across communities, with differences in resources per priority-eligible child driven by a fragmented system of funding streams. It also finds that more funding is directed toward preschool-aged children than infants and toddlers, despite the higher cost of serving younger children. By looking across funding streams together, this work highlights the need to consider total community resources when making investment decisions.

Cick here to read the full brief.