Research Report Access to the Illinois Preschool for All Initiative: Insights from Five Lower-Incidence Immigrant Groups in Northern Cook County
Gina Adams, Marla McDaniel
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A key measure of success of state prekindergarten initiatives is their ability to reach and serve children who are likely to face challenges in school. This study adds to our understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant children and families in Chicago, Illinois, by focusing on the extent to which families from smaller immigrant communities - particularly Pakistani, Nigerian, Vietnamese, Polish, and Haitian families-face barriers in accessing the Illinois prekindergarten program. Based on focus groups with parents and interviews with prekindergarten providers, this study finds a number of barriers, including lack of knowledge, language barriers, and logistical challenges around enrollment.
Research Areas Education Families Social safety net Children and youth
Tags Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Immigrant access to the safety net Immigrant children, families, and communities Federal, state, and local immigration and integration policy
Policy Centers Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population