LeadCare Cook County Nears Enrollment Deadline
COOK COUNTY, IL -- LeadCare Cook County, a program offering free lead inspections and lead service line replacements to both licensed and license-exempt child care providers in suburban Cook County is rapidly approaching its enrollment deadline of July 31, 2026. The service line inspections and replacements are done on a first-come, first-served basis while program funds are available.
Administered by Elevate in partnership with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the program is part of a $14 million investment aimed at driving an equitable pandemic recovery and promoting public and environmental health, especially in historically disinvested communities.
“Over the past three years, LeadCare Cook County has served hundreds of child care providers, positively impacting thousands of children in our communities,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “The program offers a rare opportunity for child care providers to make a profound investment in their business while protecting our children’s health, all at no cost to the provider.”
Lead exposure poses serious risks to human health, especially for children under age 6, whose developing brains and nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Lead service lines are often the most significant source of lead in drinking water, yet the high cost of replacement makes it inaccessible for many child care providers.
LeadCare Cook County was created to remove financial and logistical barriers that often prevent child care facilities from addressing lead risks in drinking water. With no hidden fees and minimal disruption to daily operations, the program has already completed replacements for nearly 300 child care providers since its launch in 2023.
Through the LeadCare program, service lines are inspected for lead or galvanized materials. If those materials are found, the line is replaced with a copper service line, a process that can typically cost up to $20,000.
“There is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and when present, a lead service line can be the most significant source of lead at the tap,” said Caroline Pakenham, Director of Water Programs at Elevate. “As this program comes to a close, we want to ensure that as many child care providers as possible are aware of this opportunity before it’s gone.”
Cook County partnered with Elevate on this initiative due to the organization’s deep experience supporting child care providers across Illinois and its longstanding commitment to clean water.
LeadCare Cook County is also supported by Cook County’s Project Rainbow initiative, which aims to inform, inspire and impact children, students and families across the County. For more information on all Project Rainbow initiatives, please visit projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov.
Child care providers can learn more and apply to the program by July 31 at leadcarecookcounty.org or by calling 773-389-5657. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.
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About LeadCare Cook County
LeadCare Cook County supports a safe and healthy learning environment for children by offering free lead service line replacement to child care providers in suburban Cook County. The program is administered by Elevate Energy (Elevate) in partnership with Cook County Government. Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.
About Elevate
Elevate is a nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate designs and implements programs to ensure that everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities — no matter who they are or where they live.