If your child will be 4 by Sept 1, 2022, then get ready to apply to FREE Universal PreK at ChicagoEarlyLearning.org starting at 9am on 4/19/22. Parents can choose up to 5 program sites. (Families of 3 year olds can also apply but these programs are mostly hosted by community based organizations and not housed in schools.) The application will be open for an Initial Application Period until mid-May. Then a single offer notification will be sent to parents upon which they can decide to accept or reject the offer. Families will stay on a waitlist for any program they listed higher than the one they were offered. Families who did not participate in the Initial Application Period can apply on a rolling basis starting mid-May.
- Up to 5 program sites must be ranked in order of preference
- Families will receive a single offer only
- Placement based on priority points for need, siblings, neighborhood & proximity
- 4 y.o. programs hosted mostly at CPS sites, 3 y.o. programs at community sites
- No more tuition based preschool, all programs free or minimal fee by income
- Most programs are Full day (7 hr/day) and follow the CPS calendar (see below)
- Students at a 4 y.o. site may be given priority for Kindergarten via GoCPS app
- Application assistance available at Family Resource Centers