Building on the nationwide success of “Text4baby,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced this week the upcoming launch of a free text messaging service called Connect4Tots, which provides parents with information on caring for their child over age one. The messaging service will provide important resources to promote parental involvement in education, children’s health, access to social services, and participation in city events. Connect4Tots is expected to launch in the fall of 2015 as part of the City’s roll out of the next phase of Open 311.

Connect4Tots will expand on the success of Text4baby by offering the same important services to more parents. Just as Text4baby provided resources for new or soon-to-be parents on caring for their child less than a year old, this Chicago-based service will provide similar resources and information to parents with children aged one and older. Connect4Tots will also go a step further in its inclusion of social services and early childhood education information.

The messaging service will utilize a broad network of public-private partnerships including the Chicago Department of Public Health; hospitals and clinics; mobile health organizations; corporate sponsors; cellular service providers, technology vendors, and related non-profits; as well as health care, education and social service experts such as the Ounce of Prevention and EverThrive Illinois.