Toolkit - Introduction

1. Introduction To CIS of Chicago

2. CIS of Chicago
• 180 Community Partners
• 125 Network Schools
• 60,000 Students Served
• 1,100 Services Connected
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3. Community Partner Team Core Work
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4. What does the CP Team do?
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Community Partner Connections to Schools:
CIS of Chicago facilitates connection and communication between community organizations and schools. We
encourage agencies to have consistent communication with school stakeholders to ensure smoother service delivery
and maximize the impact of provided services.
Program Quality Monitoring and Training:
CIS of Chicago collects assessment information from school staff and students and through our own observations
(which have been aligned with The Elements of Effective Programs) and supports partners in implementing best
practices for school-based service delivery through feedback and trainings.
Inter-Agency Collaboration:
CIS of Chicago provides opportunities for organizations with complimentary missions to collaborate in meaningful
ways to increase their impact on students and school communities.
Community Partner Technical Support
CIS of Chicago helps partners troubleshoot issues with schools or program delivery. We also provide resources and
support for building sustainable long-term relationships with school communities.
Increase Reach and Impact:
When appropriate, you and your CIS of Chicago Community Partnership Specialist can strategize the best ways to
connect your organization’s programming to more students in need.

5. Frequently Asked Questions
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What does the Community Partnership team do?
CISC’s Community Partnership Team is responsible for managing partnerships with more
than 200 service providers in four key areas: arts enrichment, college and career readiness,
health and wellness, and behavioral and mental health. Each Community Partnership
Specialist recruits, trains and strategizes with as many as 60 different organizations to
maximize their programs’ impact on students and families.
What’s the relationship between Communities In Schools of Chicago and the Chicago
Public Schools?
Communities In Schools of Chicago is a valuable resource for, and partner of, the Chicago
Public Schools. But, we are not a part of the school system. We are an independent non-profit
organization founded locally in 1988, and part of the Communities In Schools national
network. During the 2014-15 academic year our organization is in formal partnership with 125
CPS schools, and anticipates linking more than 50,000 students to essential programs and
services.
What is the role of site coordinators in CISC partner schools?
School site coordinators (SCs) are our main liaisons, and the most critical component of CISC
partnership. Site Coordinators access and coordinate needed programs, evaluate the
effectiveness of programs, and report back to CISC on school needs and partnership
connections. Site coordinators are typically full-time school faculty members, such as social
workers, guidance counselors, assistant principals, and lead literacy teachers.

6. Frequently Asked Questions
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Do CISC employees work inside of schools?
Most members of our staff work in our main office in the West Loop. Five of our specialists – called
Student Supports Managers – are each based inside of a public school, following the CIS National
Model in which they provide direct support services to students most at risk of dropping out, as
well as connect all students to a variety of social, emotional and physical health services.
How long does the CISC partnership last?
CISC develops enduring partnerships with its partners. Although all partnerships are renewed
every 2 years through our partner agreement, CISC partnerships last indefinitely. In fact, some of
our longest-standing school and community partners have worked with CISC for almost 20 years!
How do I find out about school opportunities?
Community partners meet and communicate with their community partner specialist in order to
access and navigate the complex public school system. CISC also trains our network of 125
schools to identify priorities, find outside partners, schedule programs, evaluate impact and sustain
these partnerships. With this information, cross referencing your programming topics with school
priorities will help find the best fit for our community partners, while also helping them to build
capacity.