Child Services

Childcare Resource and Referral (CCR&R)

Childcare Resource and Referral (CCR&R) helps families with subsidized childcare payments to eligible providers. The office in Coles County is located at EIU. Their number is 217-581-6698. Their address is 3015 Ninth Street Hall, Charleston, IL 61920

To find your local CCR&R office, search the Illinois Network of Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies.

C.E.F.S. Head Start

The C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5 Program provides comprehensive classroom and home-based services to pregnant women and children (birth to age five) including children with significant special needs.  Enrollment is ongoing.  Classrooms are located in Pana and Taylorville.

Phone: Toll Free 1-866-442-1900 or text 217-663-7822
Website:  www.cefseoc.org/headstart

Community Child Care Connections

Offers subsidized daycare to needy families.  Main office located at 901 South Spring Street, Suite B, Springfield.

Phone:  217-525-2805
Toll free number:  1-800-676-2805
Website:  www.4childcare.org

Community Support Systems – Child and Family Connections

Identifies and serves young children who are experiencing developmental delays.  Developmental screenings are conducted and, if necessary, developmental therapy services are carried out in the client’s home.

Located at 1901 South 4th Street, Effingham.
Phone:  217-705-4300
Website:  www.csscares.org

Eastern Illinois Area Special Education (EIASE)

Eastern Illinois Area Special Education (EIASE) is a joint agreement which strives to service the educational needs of all children with disabilities ages 3 – 21. EIASE serves Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Moultrie, and Shelby counties. Parents may request preschool screenings, apply for Project H.E.L.P. (free preschool for eligible children), and much more.

Phone:  844-999-9001
Address:  5837 Park Dr., Charleston, IL 61920

Illinois Cares for Kids

Students and staff can find local childcare and early learning providers by searching Illinois Cares for Kids

The Birth-3 Program

The Birth-3 Program in Mattoon works with at-risk families and children.

Phone:  217-238-8800
Address:  1201 S. 6th St., Mattoon, IL 61938

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that helps provide healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other services for eligible caregivers, infants, and children up to age 5. Use the DHS Office Locator to find your local WIC office.

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