Partner Organizations
The City of Chicago offers a wide variety of resources for families and to help the children of Chicago have fun, learn and become GREAT KIDS. The City works with many public and private partners to offer programs for youth outside of the classroom. Our youngest children (ages 0-5) and their families need child care and pre-school programs that support good health and education. Families with children ages 6-12 work hard to keep kids safe and learning, especially between the hours of 3 to 6 p.m., when the school day ends but many family members are still at work. As teens grow into young adults from age 13-18, they become more independent but still need adult supervision, guidance and mentoring as they begin the transition into adulthood and preparing for their future educations and professions. Mayor Daley is committed to offering programs that engage and inspire young people, encouraging and helping them make the most of their education and work opportunities. Below are links to many programs that help meet the needs of people and families of all ages in Chicago. Many thanks to each of our partner organizations, for their assistance and hard work! If you are interested in obtaining information, assistance, or volunteering for these organizations, feel free to them directly.
Department of Family and Support Services
For more information on CIty of Chicago departments, please visit www.cityofchicago.org.
Hiring Youth with Disabilities
Thank you for your interest in hiring young people with disabilities. The Youth Ready Chicago gives young people opportunities to build bridges between their experiences in the classroom and their future careers. The program gives employers immediate access to an untapped, diverse, qualified workforce. The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), the Department of Family and Support Services and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) partner with local businesses to help students with disabilities experience the realities of the workplace and gain knowledge in the occupation of their choice. In addition to working with a Youth Ready Chicago Job Developer (one is appointed to every participating employer and employee), young people with disabilities are assigned a professional mentor with a disability from the MOPD so that they may receive ongoing guidance and support while enjoying the satisfaction that comes with contributing one’s skills and knowledge to our local business community. If you have a job to offer, please sign-up today by completing the Youth Ready Chicago Pledge Form.
Child Labor Law
The Child Labor Law exists to protect young people. It restricts employment of children under 16 years of age. Employment certificates are required to ensure that a minor is old enough to work and physical able to perform the job, and that the job will not interfere with the young person’s education or place him or her in a hazardous occupation or work environment. The law also stipulates that authorized work performed by children under age 16 be done between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. except for June 1 through Labor Day, when work is allowed until 9 p.m. If you would like to read the law in full, please visit the Illinois Department of Labor’s Web site or call (312) 793-2804, or toll-free (800) 645-5784.