Chicago Early Learning
Applications Now Open!
Now accepting applications for the current school year only. If you are interested in applying for the 2023–24 school year, please apply on or after April 11. Families who apply for the current year may need to reapply for the Fall.
What to Do When You Receive Your Offer Letter
Offer letter placement notifications for your child’s preferred preschool programs are actively being sent out to all families who have already applied. After submitting your child’s application, applicants will receive placement notifications at the email used for your guardian login within 24 hours.
Once you receive your child’s offer letter, you must accept or decline your offer within 14-days, or the offer will expire. Please note: Families can accept offer letters to Community Based Organizations until July 31. There are four ways to accept or decline your offer.
4 Ways to Accept or Decline Your Placement Offer Within 14 Days
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Online by logging into your account at ChicagoEarlyLearning.org
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Call our hotline at 312-229-1690
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Call the school where your child was offered a seat
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Visit the school in-person
Choose the Program That’s Right for Your Family
CPS full-day programs serve 4 year olds only (A child is considered age 4 if they turn 4 years old on or before 9/1/2022). If your child is 3 years old, please select a Community Based Early Learning Program or a CPS half-day program on the Locations page.
Learn more about the CPS New Enrollment Policy for Full Day 4-Year-Olds here.
Application Assistance
If you have questions or are in need of assistance when completing the application, call 312-229-1690 for assistance with applications for both CPS schools and Community-Based Preschools. You can also visit any of the Family Resource Centers by appointment only located around the city, or visit a Community Early Learning Provider if you are interested in a site.
Choose the Program That’s Right for Your Family
CPS full-day programs serve 4 year olds only (A child is considered age 4 if they turn 4 years old on or before 9/1/2022). If your child is 3 years old, please select a Community Based Early Learning Program or a CPS half-day program on the Locations page.
Learn more about the CPS New Enrollment Policy for Full Day 4-Year-Olds here.
Application Assistance
If you have questions or are in need of assistance when completing the application, call 312-229-1690 for assistance with applications for both CPS schools and Community-Based Preschools. You can also visit any of the Family Resource Centers by appointment only located around the city, or visit a Community Early Learning Provider if you are interested in a site.
Safer Classrooms For All Early Learners
There are safe-in-person early learning options available for every 0–5 year-old in Chicago. Both CPS and Community-Based preschool programs take daily precautions to protect the health of their students and their families.
- Facemasks (provided for all staff and students ages 3+)
- Increased safety and sanitation procedures
- Enhanced cleaning protocols
- Daily Health Screener
- Smaller class sizes
- And more!
Learn more about health and safety guidance
For community-based preschool programs contact the site directly.
For more CPS safety details, click here.
Explore Your Options!
Choose the best preschool for your family! Explore early learning programs across Chicago that offer both safe in-person and remote early learning options.
What is the preschool application process?
Are you ready to apply for a preschool program for your 3- or 4-year-old? Learn about the process here or call 312-229-1690 with your questions.
Early learning doesn’t only take place in a preschool classroom.
Chicago offers a variety of stimulating children’s activities to get kids learning, moving, and playing. Learn more about what is offered by city agencies and organizations.
Get the latest citywide preschool application updates!
Meet all our partners and learn more about Chicago Early Learning.
