'Connect4Tots' to help Chicago parents care for children over age 1

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago parents with children over one-year-old will soon have an additional resource if they have questions about caring for their child.

The City of Chicago said Tuesday that a new text messaging service called "Connect4Tots" is expected to launch in the fall, as part of the city's next phase of Open 311.

The messaging service will provide parents with information about how they can get involved in their child's education, access to social services and city events. "Connect4Tots" will also provide information regarding immunizations, nutrition, wellness and exercise for children over the age of 1.

"For the City of Chicago to succeed, we need to invest in the success of every child in every neighborhood right from their earliest years," said Mayor Emanuel. "Connect4Tots is another example of our larger strategy to empower parents and invest in every child from their early years through their college years to ensure their future success."

"Connect4Tots" follows the success of a program called "Text4Baby," which provides information for soon-to-be parents and those caring for children less than one-year-old.