Chicago Early Learning: 2023 Updates

As the new school year approaches rapidly, Chicago Early Learning programs are quickly filling up. If you're seeking an early learning program for your child under the age of five, now is the ideal time to submit your application!

Chicago offers high-quality early learning programs in every neighborhood. These programs include:

✅ Community-Based Early Learning Programs and Preschool Programs for children from prenatal to age five.

✅ CPS Pre-K Programs for 4-year-olds.

Apply today to secure your child's spot in a Chicago Early Learning program near you! All Chicago Early Learning Programs follow the same accredited curriculum and provide exceptional early learning experiences, safe learning environments, and a student-teacher ratio of 1:10, ensuring individualized attention from highly qualified early education professionals.

Take Five Steps to Complete Your Enrollment:

💻 Step 1: Explore Preschool Options

Find the perfect program for your family by utilizing our location finder page. Watch our Location Finder Walkthrough Video for helpful tips on filtering and finding the best program for your child.

🥇 Step 2: Apply to Your Top Choices

Rank your preferred programs on the application according to your true preference. Remember, you will receive only one offer. If it is not your top choice, you will be placed on the waitlist for any higher-ranked programs and not be considered for any lower-ranked program. Learn more about "Ranking Choices on the Application" on our How to Apply page.

💌 Step 3: Accept Your Offer Letter

Within two business days of submitting your child's application, you will receive placement notifications via email (the one used for your guardian login). We strongly recommend accepting your top offer, even if you are waitlisted for a higher-ranked program.

📑 Step 4: Verify Your Paperwork

If you accept an offer for CPS Pre-K, you will need to verify the placement through a Family Resource Center or directly at the school. If you accept an offer at a Community-Based Program, verification must be done through that program. Learn more about the required paperwork under "How to Verify Your Child's Placement" on our How to Apply page.

🏫 Step 5: Enroll In School

After successfully completing the verification step, you can proceed with enrolling your child. If you verify documents at the program where you received an offer letter, you can likely finalize your child's enrollment during that visit. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment to visit your child's future program, where they received the offer letter, in person to complete the enrollment process.

Need Assistance With Your Application?

For any questions or assistance with the application process, please contact our Family Support Hotline at 312-229-1690.

Families applying for CPS Pre-K programs can also schedule an in-person visit to the desired program or visit any of the Family Resource Centers during their operating hours.