Filtered K1C Perspectives
How a Federal Child Care Funding Freeze Could Hit Chicago Public Schools
A proposed federal freeze on child care and family assistance funds threatened to destabilize providers and families across Illinois. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the freeze, offering short-term relief while uncertainty remains if the ruling is appealed.
What 2025 Taught Us About Parent Power
Across Chicago, families showed up not just to react to decisions, but to influence them by asking hard questions, sharing lived experience, and insisting that schools work better for their children. At Kids First Chicago, we believe parents hold essential expertise about what students need to thrive. This year, that belief was affirmed again and again.
Don’t Sell Out Students to Bail Out City Hall
Chicago Public Schools presented a $10.2 billion FY26 budget that protects classrooms and avoids short-term borrowing. Some board members are pushing to make a $175 million payment to the City’s pension fund immediately, which parents and families oppose. Hear from Daniel Anello and Hal Woods of Kids First Chicago on why this funding should stay in schools.
What Trump’s Tax Bill Could Mean for Illinois and Chicago Families
It’s hard to follow all of the breaking news coming out of Washington, DC. We’re following it all as closely as we can to help Chicago families consider what the federal legislation could mean for our schools and families.
What's Going On With CPS's Budget?
K1C breaks down what families need to know about the CPS budget for School Year 2025-26, including the latest on the district’s projected deficit and what it could mean for individual school budgets moving forward.
Investigation into CPS Black Student Success Plan Misses the Mark on Defending Civil Rights
K1C's Daniel Anello speaks out on the recent investigation into CPS's Black Student Success Plan, calling attention to how these types of investigations are a waste of taxpayer resources, questionable in their origin, and unjust in their implications.
Statement and Analysis of Baker Tilly Report on CPS Funding Options
Kids First Chicago comments on new Baker Tilly report, commissioned by the Chicago Board of Education to review CPS obligations and funding options.
Statement from Kids First Chicago Condemning Actions to Dismantle U.S. Department of Education
Kids First Chicago joins colleagues nationwide in condemning the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
Stakeholders: The new Chicago Board of Education must take ownership of CPS
Published originally in the Chicago Tribune on February 17, 2025.
Mayor Johnson, non-citizen parents need a chance to advocate for their kids in CPS
Published originally in the Chicago Sun-Times on February 2, 2025.
Statements from Kids First Chicago & Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board on Special CPS Board Meeting
Kids First Chicago and its Parent Advisory Board offer statements on the Board of Education's special session, called with just two days' notice on the brink of the CPS Winter Break.
Kids First Chicago Reacts to November Election Results
Kids First Chicago team issues statement in response to the November Elections, offering solidarity to families scared by the outcome and pushing for a more inclusive democracy locally.