Child care is available to families with children of different ages (birth to 13 years old), including preschool, and in different types of settings (home-based or center-based). Preschool is specifically for children ages 3-4 years old. If the child care program is not part of Chicago Early Learning, we cannot guarantee that they meet the same high quality standards.

All Chicago Early Learning programs at Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and at Community-Based Programs must: meet state and federal standards, use evidence-based curriculum and assessments, and have highly-qualified teachers and a minimum of two teachers in the classroom.

A Chicago Public Schools preschool site is affiliated with an elementary school run through CPS. A Community-Based Program may be locally owned and operated. Hours may be longer than a traditional school day at a Community-Based Program, often up to 10 hours, but they will vary by location. Most Community-Based Programs also have services for younger children, ages 0–3 years old.

Chicago Early Learning preschool programs all meet rigorous federal, state, and local standards. The Find and Compare Tool helps parents view programs with specific early childhood accreditations and see each program’s quality rating. Please review our Programs Page with detailed information about types of programs and identifying characteristics of high-quality early learning.

You can apply for early learning programs citywide for children under three years old at ChicagoEarlyLearning.org. In your program search, click the filters and select the program for your child’s age. Services for children from birth to three years old are primarily available through Community-Based Programs. Click here or call (312) 229-1690 to find a location that fits your family’s needs.

Summer hours for our Chicago Early Learning sites may vary. Many Community-Based Programs offer summer hours. Please contact the site of interest directly to learn more about the summer programs and hours offered. You can also filter your program search and select programs that operate year-round.

Here are a few facts to consider when deciding whether or not to apply to an early learning program for your child.

- 90% of a child’s brain development occurs by the age of 5.
- The brain triples in size in the first two years of life – which is why a child's learning experiences during that window are so predictive of her success later on.
- Early learning experiences lay the foundations of their minds for the rest of their lives.
- Children who attend quality early learning programs are more likely to enter kindergarten with a solid grasp of language and math and have more positive relationships.

Every child is ready to attend an early learning program. Chicago has programs for pregnant moms, infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.

Preschool teachers meet your child where they are in their educational development — tailoring instruction for your child so they’re more than prepared for Kindergarten.

We encourage you to reach out to your top early learning program choices to ask them questions and share your concerns with their staff directly.

Early Head Start and Head Start programs are federally funded early childhood education programs that are offered at Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs across the city. Early Head Start programs are for children who are three years old or younger. Head Start programs are for children who are preschool-aged.

These programs promote and provide quality early childhood, school readiness, nutritious meals, and access to free medical and dental services. Families who receive SNAP benefits qualify for free Early Head Start/Head Start. Contact your preferred program directly to learn more.

Children who are four years old on or before September 1, 2024, are eligible for admittance into CPS full-day and half-day programs preschool programs. Children who are three years old on or before September 1, 2024, are eligible for CPS half-day programs. Community-Based Programs have options for pregnant moms, infants, toddlers and preschoolers up to age 4. Additional eligibility criteria may apply to Community-Based Programs offering services throughout the City. CPS has limited space for half-day programming for 3-year-olds.

In addition, families are prioritized according to eligibility and available space. Our highest need families: low-income families, students with disabilities, students in temporary living situations, foster children, etc. will be given priority in placement. Placement is also prioritized for applicants with older siblings at the school and students who live near the CPS school they are applying to.

In general, Chicago Early Learning Preschool programs are for Chicago residents. Certain Community-Based Programs may take some children who reside outside the City of Chicago. Contact your preferred Community-Based Program directly for more information. Families applying to a Chicago Public School must be a resident of Chicago.

You can now apply for programs for children from birth to 4 years old and prenatal programs on the Chicago Early Learning applications. In your program search, click the filters and select the program for your child’s age. Services for children from birth to three years old are available through Community-Based Programs. Learn more about Community-Based Programs here or call (312) 229-1690 to find a location that fits your family’s needs.

CPS serves primarily children who turn four on or before September 1 of the given school year in full-day programs and has limited space in half-day programming for children who turn three by September 1 and for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEP's).

No, the preschool application will never ask you or anyone in your family for proof of citizenship.

The Initial Application Period will be open from April 9, 2024 – April 30, 2024.

You don’t have to apply during the Initial Application Period, but it will improve your child’s chances of securing a seat in competitive early learning programs for Fall 2024.

Please note, that during the Initial Application Period applications are not technically considered on a first-come-first-served basis. You will receive a notification on your child’s placement before someone who does not apply during the initial application period, but enrollment is still prioritized based on need during this time.

Applying during the Initial Application Period improves your child’s chances of securing their seat in your family’s preferred programs. After submitting your child’s application during this time, you’ll receive your child’s placement notice roughly a month after your application is submitted.

Families with children from birth to 4 and pregnant mothers can submit a single application for each child to any Chicago Early Learning Program. Enrolling your child in an early learning program is easy and the application is open year-round.

Follow the five steps on our How to Apply page here to complete the application process.

Applications are not technically first-come-first-served. Enrollment is prioritized based on need. However, applicants who apply earlier will have the best chance at a spot in their top choice program and know of their application status before families who wait until after the Initial Application Period to apply.

If you are a pregnant mom or have a child from birth to 4 years old, there are program options for you. Visit our How to Apply page where you can find detailed information about the online application process or click the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

If you wish to alter information on a previously submitted application please call (312) 229-1690 to speak with an Application Specialist directly.

At chicagoearlylearning.org, you can apply for a Chicago Early Learning program for children from birth to age 4 and programs for pregnant moms at Community-Based Programs funded by the City of Chicago, and preschool programs at CPS schools.

Each child that is seeking to enroll in a new program is allowed only one application that ranks your top-five early learning programs. If you have multiple children that are applying for an early learning program, you must submit one application for each child.

No – families are welcome to use the online application year-round. However, availability may become increasingly limited and we encourage families to submit applications as early as possible for the most choices in program availability.

Yes. You can click the globe in the corner of any page of the application to change the language. The application is available in English, Spanish, Polish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Yoruba, and Chinese.

Families with questions or needing support completing the application can call 312-229-1690 for assistance with applications for both CPS schools and Community-Based Early Learning Programs.

Additionally, Families can visit a Family Resource Center at select Public Libraries for application and verification support. During the application period, families will be able to apply in person and verify enrollment at the Family Resource Centers here.

For early bird applicants who applied in April, you will be notified of your placement status no later than the end of May. Starting in May, you will know whether your child is offered a seat or is on a site’s waitlist immediately after submitting the application on the next screen and through an email notification

Although we cannot guarantee that siblings will be placed at the same site. We will make every effort to keep siblings of the same age together, but factors such as space, age, and individual needs may prevent us from ensuring placement with siblings.

No—the child will be grandfathered into their site’s 3 year-old program. They may need to provide additional information to the site. Please connect directly with your site.

If the beginning of the school year has already passed, families are still welcome to use the online application. However, availability may become increasingly limited.

Families in a temporary living situation who are interested in a CPS preschool can reach out directly to the school to contact the Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) Liaison or Clerk. The STLS liaison will be able to assist with providing the appropriate supports and services based on the families needs and circumstances.

Preschool students attending Community Based Early Learning Programs should check with the program to find out what supports are available specific to Students in Temporary Living Situations.

The City of Chicago may not have home-visiting offerings, BUT other programs may offer home-visiting this Fall. To learn more about home visiting options call the Chicago Early Learning Hotline at (312) 229-1690.

Or visit the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development website.

Returning children actively enrolled in CPS by April 8, 2024 will be registered at the same school and do not need to re-enroll or re-verify their information. Those enrolled after April 8 or those who wish to transfer schools need to complete a new application. Children currently enrolled in a Community-Based Program who want to stay in the same program do not need to re-apply.

Yes, you must re-apply for the upcoming school year. Waitlist applications do not carry over to the next school year.

We encourage families to get their applications in as early as possible to have the best chance at a spot in your top choice.

Early learning applications are prioritized based on the child's age and family needs. Need indicators to include: family income, students with disabilities, students in temporary living situations, foster children, children in need of language support, and additional demographic factors. CPS schools will also provide priority points for siblings of students currently enrolled at the school, for students choosing their attendance area school or within 1.5 miles of a site without an attendance boundary.

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Yes. Your child will receive priority eligibility consideration for their neighborhood program.

Yes, you can rank your top five sites this year. You will only get one offer, however, and you will remain on the waitlist if you did not receive placement at your top selection.

Families who are enrolled for SY20-21 are welcome to submit an application for a new site for the Fall. Once the application is submitted, families must contact the CEL Hotline at (312) 229-1690 to request a transfer.

If your child has an existing application for SY21-22, please call the CEL Hotline at (312) 229-1690 to make changes to your application and to view availability at your desired school.

You may be required to first give up your child’s seat at the current school in order to see if you are eligible for the seat or to be offered a seat at the second school. Transfer students are not given priority at the new school and there is a chance that the child might go from a secured seat to a waitlist at the second site depending on seat availability.

If you don’t get an offer, you should receive a notification that you are “waitlisted” at your desired school or community site. If a spot should open up that you are eligible for, you will be contacted either via email or phone. You don’t have to take any action until you are contacted. Applications are automatically processed from the waitlist based on need and availability. If you would like to change your program selections, call (312) 229-1690.

You can complete an application by calling the Chicago Early Learning Hotline at (312) 229-1690 or by visiting one of five Family Resource Centers which are available for application support. You can also go directly to the site you’re applying for application support as well. 

Gross income.

Enrollment is prioritized based on need as identified by a family’s socioeconomic status, the child’s age, and for children attending CPS Pre-K there are a couple of new factors, too.

CPS Pre-K Programs

• Socio-economic factors, including children in foster care, temporary living situations (STLS), family income at or below 100% of FPL, and children with IEPs.
• Siblings in grades K-8 at the same school.
• Applying to attend the student’s kindergarten attendance area school.
•  Proximity within a 1.5-mile radius of the school or CPS Early Learning Center.

Community-Based Early Learning Programs

• Ages served vary by program. Check your preferred program for age criteria.
• Lower-income families are ranked above higher-income families.
• Children who are categorically eligible (homeless children, foster children, children from families receiving SSI or TANF) are treated as if they have zero income.

Please rank your choices on the application in the order of your true preference. If you do not receive an offer for your top choice, you will be waitlisted, and if a spot becomes available, you will receive an offer letter to that program, even if you have accepted your second choice.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding is provided by the state to ensure low-income working parents have access to full-day care. Many Community Based Early Learning Programs have reserved slots for low-income working families who qualify for CCAP. CCAP does not apply to CPS schools. Contact a provider directly to answer more specific questions about eligibility, verification and any associated co-pays.

Applying during the Initial Application Period improves your child’s chances of securing their seat in your family’s preferred programs. The Initial Application Period will extend into mid-May. After submitting your child’s application during this time, you’ll receive your child’s placement notice roughly a month after your application is submitted.

If you wait to apply until after the Initial Application Period ends, you’ll receive placement notice within 24-hours after submitting your application.

You will need to wait until you receive an offer before you verify. In the meantime, be sure you have proof of your child's age, your address, and your family's income.

Although we’ve done everything we can to reduce the number of children on waitlists, they are still common among Chicago's most popular early learning programs because of high demand.

Waitlists are determined by enrollment prioritization, which is based on a child’s age and the child’s needs. This need is determined by socioeconomic factors such as housing status or a family’s household income.

If a child is in foster care, in a temporary living situation, or houseless, they will receive greater priority for enrollment over children who do not experience these hardships. Similarly, priority is considered for a family’s household income. A child whose family is below the federal poverty line will receive priority placement over children from a higher-income household.

If you have additional questions about waitlists or enrollment priority, visit our website at ChicagoEarlyLearning.org or call our Family Support Hotline at (312) 229-1690.

Families are placed on waitlists in order of points based on enrollment prioritization, not in the order they applied.

This means that if another family applies later but has a higher need, that student may be higher on the waitlist than another family that applied earlier.

CPS Pre-K Programs

Waitlist numbers are now visible to families who apply to CPS Pre-K programs.

The waitlist numbers will or might change nightly. Eligibility criteria prioritize children with the highest need for preschool. Families are prioritized according to socioeconomic factors for eligibility and available space within programs. Our highest-need families: low-income families, students with disabilities, students in temporary living situations, foster children, etc. will receive priority placement. Placement, open seats, and waitlists will be continuously reviewed throughout the enrollment window to ensure we are maximizing access for families.

Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs

Programs not affiliated with Chicago Public Schools do not have waitlist numbers because seats are offered based on eligibility criteria. No preference is given to the first families to apply.

The waitlist will be reviewed daily. If a seat that your child qualifies for becomes available, you will be notified. But since there are no guarantees your child will be offered a seat, we recommend that you call the Family Support Hotline to update your program selections to replace the programs you’re on the waitlist for with other high-quality programs nearby with availability so you can successfully enroll your child for the upcoming school year.

This year our new Chicago Early Learning application will include an indicator of family waitlist status. Eligibility criteria also prioritize children with the highest need for preschool. Families are prioritized according to socioeconomic factors for eligibility and available space within programs. Our highest need families: low-income families, students with disabilities, students in temporary living situations, foster children, etc. will receive priority placement. Placement, open seats, and waitlists will be continuously reviewed throughout the enrollment window to ensure we are maximizing access for families.

Ranking your top FIVE early learning programs this year should prevent your child from landing on a waitlist altogether. Still, IF your child is waitlisted after applying, call the Chicago Early Learning Hotline for assistance in changing your program choices on your application. To remove your child from the waitlist by changing your school choice or to remove the waitlisted school from your application altogether, contact our Family Support Hotline at (312) 229-1690 or visit a Family Resource Center.

If your child is waitlisted, an offer will be automatically generated once a space that your child qualifies for becomes available. If you would like to remove your child from the waitlist by changing your school choice or removing the waitlisted school from your application, contact our Family Support Hotline at (312) 229-1690.

You will need to wait until you receive an offer before you verify the self-reported information in your application. In the meantime, be sure you have proof of your child's age, your address, and your family's income for when a placement is offered.

Unlike previous years, parents will be able to see their position on the waitlist. Children can be on multiple waitlists at a time. For example, if you get offered a spot in the program you ranked third, you will be on the waitlist for your first and second choice programs. If an applicant is waitlisted and would like to apply for a different program, they can call the Chicago Early Learning Family Support Hotline at 312-229-1690 to update their selected programs.

We recommend all families accept the offer letters they receive. Even if it’s one of your backup choices. This will ensure your child has a spot in one of Chicago’s high-quality early learning programs for the upcoming school year.

You will still remain on the waitlist at your top-ranked programs after accepting your offer at your backup choice. If a seat opens up for your child at one of your top-ranked programs after accepting your offer letter at another program, that’s okay! You can still then accept your new offer letter at your preferred program and complete the enrollment process at your higher-ranked choice to enroll them at the program you prefer for the upcoming school year.

If your child is on the waitlist for all of your program selections, you will need to call the Family Support Hotline at (312) 229-1690 to make any updates to your application after it’s already been submitted.

The Family Support Hotline will help you get off the waitlist by matching your child to programs nearby with open seats instead. We’d still encourage you to contact the Family Support Hotline and exchange your backup options without availability for a program nearby that has an open seat for your child.

Contact our Family Support Hotline to update your program selections at (312) 229-1690.

Families will only receive ONE offer. You will be waitlisted at any program you ranked higher and will not be considered for any program you ranked lower.

If you receive an offer at your second choice, you will be waitlisted at your first choice, and you will receive a status of "not offered" for your third, fourth, and fifth choice. If you receive an offer and prefer to attend a program you have ranked lower, you must resubmit your application with a new choice order.

Please read the FAQ "What happens if I resubmit my application?" if this applies to you.

If you have an offer, we strongly recommend accepting it, even if you are waitlisted on a site you ranked higher.

For example, a family has an offer at their second choice program and has been waitlisted at their first choice program. If the family has accepted the offer at their second choice program, when they come off the waitlist at their first choice school, they can decide which offer they would prefer to take.

On the other hand, if the family has not yet accepted their second choice program when they come off the waitlist for their first choice program, they will lose the offer to their second choice program.

Families can resubmit their application if they would like to change the order of their choices or add additional programs (up to a total of five program choices).

Please remember that you will be resubmitting your applications to ALL programs on your list.

If you have an unaccepted offer, you are not guaranteed to keep it. Additionally, you may receive a new waitlist number when you resubmit your application.

If your child has an IEP or IFSP and you have been directed by the CPS Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) to complete the online application, you may apply online. If you were not directed to complete the application, please contact the ODLSS School Assignment hotline at (773) 553-1847 for assistance.

For CPS Preschools:
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed for each public school child who needs specialized services. If you suspect that your child may need additional special education services, we encourage you to get a developmental screening to see if further evaluation is needed.

For CPS Pre-K Programs call 773-553-5410 or visit the Office of Diverse Learner Support and Services (ODLSS) website here.

For Community-Based Preschool and Early Learning Programs: 
Early Intervention (EI) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) are available to families with infants and children under three years old with developmental delays and disabilities. This can include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other services based on the child's needs.

For more information locate and contact a DHS Office or Service Provider here.

Please call CPS Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) at (773) 553-1800.