Children First Program Details

There was a recent CPS conference call regarding the proposed Children First program that will go into effect if the teachers do go on strike next week.  Murray parent Christy Beighe-Byrne was able to participate and put together a great set of notes to help us all stay on top of the details:

1. There are 144 sites identified around the city that will be offering programming from 8:30am-12:30pm;  60 of these sites are Faith Based and those facilities will be offering programming from 8:30-2:30pm.  Sites include schools, park districts, and some churches/faith based programs.
• Programming will be offered by Principals, Assistant Principals, non-union staff, CPS HQ staff, and a security officer will be on site at each location.  Expected ratio is 1:25. 
• Type of programming will vary:  computer labs will be open, kids will be engaged in interactive activities, etc…
2. Parents DO NOT have to send kids to these sites, as it’s a non-attendance based program and doesn’t count toward the CPS days of schools.  
3. Parents are being encouraged to sign up online at http://cps.edu via the “Children First” link (right on the home page right now) to find the nearest location.  Parents can also call 311 to check out the nearest location and register.  Parents will need their children’s’ student ID number (found on their report card/progress report) to register.  If unknown, parents should be calling 311.  Children are being funneled into the location closest to their home. 
• Pre-registration is encouraged but basically no child will be turned away if they just show up.  
• Children who are typically eligible for Bus Transportation services will not be able to have transportation provided.  However, parents can be reimbursed for costs after the strike is over.
4. Charter Schools are not affected by the strike, as their teachers aren’t in the Union.  
5. After school programs will not be running (though approved CPS vendors will be helping with staff coverage at the 144 sites).  
• Sports programs being offered is still up in the air.  CPS has applied for a voucher that will allow them to run varsity sports. 
6. All of this is a precaution just in case of the strike.  Naturally, there will be a lot of media coverage if/when the strike is announced.

Additional information can be found online at the CPS Children First page, which also includes a telephone number you can call to ask questions.