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Pregnant and Parenting Students

We are committed to providing our pregnant and parenting students with equitable access to high-quality education including a comprehensive and innovative network of support and instructional options.

As a district, and in accordance with Title IX, we do not allow discrimination against any student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. The District remains committed to supporting pregnant and parenting students to ensure that they can remain in school, complete their education, and are prepared for postsecondary success in college, career, and civic life.

Modifications for Students

Title IX protects students in all academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs or activities of schools. These modifications are not exhaustive but serve as a continual reminder that we want you to remain at your desired school and be given the support you need to thrive educationally. While pregnancy or parenting may create new challenges, Chicago Public Schools is here to help support and not have school be a hindrance.

For pregnant students

  • Can remain in your school
  • Can transfer to a more accommodating school
  • Can remain in athletics/school related activities
  • Access to elevator
  • Snacks
  • A larger desk
  • Excused bathroom visits
  • Counseling
  • Academic modifications
  • Confidentiality

For parenting students

  • Remain in same academic standing
  • Excused absences related to medical reasons or childcare 
  • Free from discrimination and harassment
  • Private room for lactation or pumping
  • Counseling

For students who have experienced pregnancy

  • Excused absences
  • All the same pregnancy protections throughout your pregnancy
  • Connections to medial resources
  • Provide schedule changes to assist with after-school employment
  • Counseling

For students whose partner is pregnant or co-parenting

  • Excused absences for child related reasons
  • Counseling
  • Provide schedule changes to assist with after-school employment

These modifications are not all-inclusive and you can connect with the Office of Student Protections and Title IX, your school counselor, or the Student Protections School Representative if you are experiencing any barrier to obtaining your education.

How to Find Help

Regardless of the situation that you may find yourself in, we realize this is challenging and we are here to provide you with the resources you need.

District Support

Everyone’s experience of pregnancy and parenting is different and creates different complexities. At CPS, we want to work with you to navigate these spaces as we honor your experience and privacy. Know you are not alone.

Below is a list of resources where you can find support and answers to your questions. If you have further questions, please contact the Office of Student Protections who can work to get you the support you need.

  • Office of Student Protections and Title IX

    The CPS department that supports ensuring that accommodations are met, investigates situations where you feel unsupported, maintains the district's compliance under Title IX and trains staff to appropriately recognize and document violations. Call 773-535-4400 or email OSP@cps.edu.

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  • Office of Student Health and Wellness

    The CPS department that supports connecting students and families with health insurance, healthcare providers, SNAP & WIC. These providers can discuss pregnancy options, prenatal care and other health needs. In addition, they provide nutritional supports and provide pregnant and parenting students with a second meal during school hours. Call 773-553-KIDS or email OSHW@cps.edu.

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  • Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services

    The CPS department that focuses on homebound care and hospital educational services. Homebound care includes abortion, miscarriage and adoption with a doctor's note.

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  • Simpson Academy

    Simpson Academy is the only traditional Chicago Public School devoted to educating pregnant and parenting students with the purpose of providing a quality education and developmental support to young mothers in a small and supportive learning environment. Simpson's goal is to ensure that our teen mothers receive adequate social and emotional, medical and academic support because we know it is essential. Please note that pregnant and parenting students have the right to remain at their own school and cannot be pressured by staff to attend Simpson Academy.

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  • Equal Opportunity Compliance Office

    The CPS department for staff who feel they have experienced harassment or discrimination based on any protected status, including their pregnancy status. If you are a staff member and feel that you are being discriminated against or harassed based on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or any pregnancy related medical conditions, contact the EOCO by phone at 773-553-1013 or email at eoco@cps.edu.

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  • Students in Temporary Living Situations

    The STLS program works with schools, staff, students and families to protect the educational rights of students who are in temporary living situations and/or homeless and ensures they receive all the services, programs, and activities provided to students who live in permanent housing. For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas. CPS schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including the provisions of services such as transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers, and referrals to community resources.

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