Understanding the Challenge
Students who are pregnant or are parents face unique challenges that can significantly impact their attendance. Pregnant students may miss school due to prenatal appointments, illness, or post-delivery recovery. Parenting students must navigate the responsibilities of childcare, which can present obstacles to their ability to attend school consistently.
Minors (12-17 years old) who share health-related information in Illinois have rights to confidentiality and consent by law. Students and schools DO NOT need the parent/guardian's permission or their health insurance for certain services.
Strategies & Supports
To help pregnant and parenting students, schools should follow a clear set of procedures and be aware of the specific rights of these students. For a school that has a pregnant or parenting student, reach out in the following ways for support.
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Office of Student Protections (OSP)
If a student is facing obstacles to their education due to pregnancy or parenting, schools can reach out to the Office of Student Protections and Title IX, the school counselor, or the Student Protections School Representative for direct assistance.
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Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW)
For support, reach out to the school nurse or contact OSHW directly. For general concerns, email sexualhealthed@cps.edu, an inbox monitored by the district's sexual response team, for a response within 48 hours. For more immediate concerns, email OSHW@cps.edu directly, and a team member will contact the school.
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Sexual Health Education Assistance Request
Submit a ticket in ServiceNow using the Sexual Health Education Assistance Request form. This form provides technical assistance, guidance, and support to CPS staff for supporting the Personal Health and Safety and Sexual Health Education curriculum, menstrual hygiene product management, the condom availability program, and partnerships with community organizations that provide sexual health education.
Know the Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Youth
Students who are pregnant and parenting youth do have specific rights.
- A student is able to consent to their own medical treatment if they are over the age of 12 and pregnant.
- For absences around prenatal and postnatal care, students who are identified as pregnant/parenting youth are able to self report a doctor visit in order for it to be excused; the student does not have to be 18. The student has to disclose their pregnancy status in order for that right to be exercised.
- The student’s pregnancy status does not have to be documented anywhere; verbal sharing is sufficient.
- Upon awareness, a school is required to submit a referral for sexual and reproductive health resources.
Tools & Resources
- Pregnant & Parenting Youth Toolkit
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Pregnant and Parenting Students Web Page
View this web page to learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students and find CPS and community resources.
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Grading Guidance for Homebound or Hospitalized Students
For students receiving education in a home or hospital setting, the Grading Guidance for Homebound and Hospitalized Students document explains the required Education Plan, which outlines curriculum, assignments, and grading criteria. This plan ensures that all students, regardless of their circumstances, receive a consistent and appropriate educational experience.
- Students' Rights Information
- Chicago Services Resource Guide