At the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, “For families, by families, with families” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a core operating principle. Since our founding in 1976, when parents organized to sustain an after-school program on Chicago’s Near West Side, local families have played a vital role in shaping not just who we serve, but how we serve.
Rooted in the belief that parents and guardians are a child’s first teachers, our approach to family engagement involves creating strong, culturally responsive support systems around every child.
As the needs of Chicago’s families evolve, so do we. With thousands of migrant families arriving in Chicago since late 2022, our Family Support team has mobilized to connect new arrivals with vital resources like food, rental assistance, and employment services. Meanwhile, our Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) team works with families to get eligible children enrolled in our early education and youth development programs.
I found out about the Carole Robertson Center because I lived in the neighborhood and saw the traffic by the Little Village flagship site. As a mother, that made me wonder, “What makes this place so special?” I would soon find out. When registering my daughter Audrey for pre-K, I witnessed firsthand the community-focused, family-centered environment that sets the Center apart. When Audrey was experiencing developmental delays, the Center’s amazing teachers supported her with early intervention and therapeutic services while treating her with the dignity and respect they give every single child. Now, Audrey is a kindergarten student at Legacy Charter School. She’s continuing to develop and grow based on the foundation that the Carole Robertson Center set.
My family arrived in the United States from Venezuela in 2022. Soon after, we started at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning. Transitioning to a new environment with a new culture often brings challenges one is not expecting. My family received a lot of support from the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, as they provided our family with the sense that my children were safe and cared for. The Center supported my family through this challenging time by referring us to resources such as food pantries and mental health services and giving me the opportunity to invest in my career in early childhood.
books provided to families
goals set and completed by 1,049 families in collaboration with the Family Support team
Carole Robertson Center Board members are current parents or past program participants.
Publication Date: August 6, 2024
