Education Help Guide

Your child deserves a good education — and so do you.
Whether it’s enrolling in school, getting special services, or finding adult education, this guide walks you through it step by step.

Start Here: What Do You Need Most Right Now?

Be honest with yourself. Pick the one that’s most urgent:

• 
  School Enrollment — You need to get your child enrolled in a Chicago school
• 
  Special Education / IEP — Your child needs extra support or has a learning difference
• 
  After-School / Tutoring — Your child needs academic support outside school hours
• 
  Adult Education / GED — You need to finish your own education or learn new skills
• 
  College / Vocational Training — You or your child is ready for the next level

You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start with the one that’s pressing right now.

Step 1: Know What You’re Asking For Before You Call

Schools and programs move fast. If you’re not specific about what you need, they’ll send you in the wrong direction — or put you on hold indefinitely.

Practice saying one of these:

• “I need to enroll my child in school — we just moved to Chicago”
• “My child needs an IEP evaluation — who do I talk to?”
• “I’m looking for free after-school tutoring in my neighborhood”
• “I want to get my GED — where do I start?”
• “I want to apply for college but I don’t know how financial aid works”

✦ The more specific you are, the faster they can actually help you.

Step 2: Call One Place First — Not Five

Calling multiple schools or programs at once creates confusion. Pick the most urgent need and start with one call.

When you call, ask these exact questions:

• What is the enrollment or application process?
• Do I qualify based on my address or income?
• Is there a waitlist — and how long is it?
• What documents do I need to bring?
• Can I walk in or do I need an appointment?

✦ Write down the answers. Don’t trust your memory when you’re juggling everything else.

Step 3: What to Bring (This Is Where People Get Stuck)

Missing one document can delay everything. Bring more than you think you need.

✦ Bring everything you have. Too much is always better than not enough.

Step 4: If You Don’t Have What They Ask For — Don’t Leave

This is where most people give up. Don’t.

✦ There is almost always a workaround. Ask before you walk out.

Step 5: Know Your Rights

Most people don’t know these — and schools count on that.

• Every child in Illinois has the right to a free public education — regardless of immigration status
• Schools cannot deny enrollment because you don’t have a permanent address
• If your child qualifies for special education, the school is required by law to provide it
• You have the right to request an IEP evaluation in writing — and the school must respond
• You can bring someone with you to any school meeting for support

✦ Knowing your rights changes the conversation. Print this out if it helps.

Step 6: Go Early. Bring Everything.

• Arrive when the office opens — lines fill up fast
• Bring all documents in a folder, organized and ready
• Bring a pen — you will be filling out forms
• Expect to wait, even with an appointment

✦ Showing up prepared tells them you mean business.

Step 7: Write Everything Down

Every time you contact a school or program, track:

• Name of person you spoke with
• Phone number and extension
• What they told you to do next
• Any deadlines they mentioned
• Application or case numbers

✦ This saves you from starting over every single time.

Step 8: If Something Feels Off — Push Back

If a staff member tells you no without explanation, rushes you, or acts like your child doesn’t qualify:

• Stay calm and ask: “Can you show me that policy in writing?”
• Ask to speak with a principal, supervisor, or district office
• Contact the Chicago Public Schools Office of Family Engagement
• Reach out to a parent advocacy organization for backup

You are allowed to:

• Ask questions and take your time
• Request decisions in writing
• Appeal a denial
• Bring someone with you for support

✦ Being in need does not mean being powerless.

Step 9: Before You Leave — Ask for More

Right before you walk out the door, say this:

“Is there anything else you can connect me or my child to?”

You might get access to:

• Free tutoring or mentoring programs
• School supply assistance
• Free internet or device programs
• College prep and scholarship help
• Mental health or counseling services at the school

✦ Programs are connected. One door can open several.

Step 10: Follow Up — This Is Where Most People Stop

• If you don’t hear back in a week, call them
• Show up to every meeting and appointment
• If one school or program says no, try the next
• Keep copies of everything you submit

✦ One “no” does NOT mean no help exists.

Real Talk (Don’t Skip This)

• Schools don’t always tell you what your child is entitled to — you have to ask.
• The system can feel overwhelming, confusing, and slow. That’s real.
• Some staff will assume you don’t know your rights. Now you do.
• Setbacks happen. That does NOT mean it’s not working.

Stay consistent. Show up. Follow up. Ask again.

Fighting for your child’s education is not a burden — it is exactly what a strong parent does.

Your child’s future starts with one step.

You don’t have to have it all figured out today.
Pick one thing from this page and do it this week.
We’re rooting for you.