Preschool Program Types 

Every child is unique with different educational needs and interests. That’s why Chicago Public Schools offers a wide variety of choices for preschool students.

Use the chart below to compare the differences among each preschool program types. You can then view more details for each by clicking the corresponding links.

Overview

Child Parent Center
*Provides services to preschool children and their parents who live in targeted low income areas.


Head Start Child Development Program
*Provides services to preschool children and their families who have incomes at or below the Federal poverty level.


Early Childhood Program: Ready to Learn
*Offers a high-quality program that ensures all children are well prepared to succeed in school and in life.


Magnet Preschools
*Offers a high-quality program at magnet schools.


Tuition-Based Preschool
*Uses the Creative Curriculum Literacy Approach to promote literacy, including reading aloud, storytelling, talking, singing, and playing with language.

 

Find a Preschool Program CPS School Locator School Profile Pages

  Overview Approximate number of schools Age range Program duration Enrollment criteria
  Application type* Details
 
Child Parent Center
*Provides services to preschool children and their parents who live in targeted low income areas. 		10 3-5 Full day
Half day
N/A
 Proof of residency must be provided prior to completing an interest form.
 
 
Head Start Child Development Program
*Provides services to preschool children and their families who have incomes at or below the Federal poverty level. 		130 3-4 Full day
Half day
N/A
 Children with diagnosed disabilities are given priority regardless of income. Proof of income is required prior to completing the application process.
 
 
Early Childhood Program: Ready to Learn
*Offers a high-quality program that ensures all children are well prepared to succeed in school and in life. 		240 3-5 Half day
Refer to application.
 
 
Tuition-Based Preschool
*Uses the Creative Curriculum Literacy Approach to promote literacy, including reading aloud, storytelling, talking, singing, and playing with language. 		17 3-4 Full day
(Hours may vary)
Refer to application.
 
 
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