Quality Ratings are assessments of early learning programs used by Excelerate Illinois to help families understand program quality and help providers prioritize improvements. Excelerate Illinois, the state’s rating and improvement system, sets a research-based standard for early learning and development providers, reflected in its tiered Circles of Quality. The higher the tier, the more the program has made meaningful improvements that better the child for school and life. Reviewing a potential preschool program’s rating in Excelerate’s Circles of Quality can help Illinois families make a more informed decision for their child. More information can be found at ExcelerateIllinois.com.

Accreditation is another way of measuring and understanding early learning program quality; accredited status means that a program has met high standards of excellence determined by a national organization such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NEPCA), or the Council on Accreditation (COA). These quality standards measure areas such as teaching, curriculum, learning assessments, health, community relationships, physical environment, and management.

To learn more about accreditation of early learning programs and how such standards can help guide families searching for early learning programs, click on one of the following links:

National Association for the Education of Young Children

National Early Childhood Program Accreditation

Council on Accreditation

Some community-based preschool and birth – 3 programs are free to families, while other programs might require a co-pay due to state or local funding requirements. Contact the program directly once you have received an offer to learn more about what co-payments, if any, are required for your family. Depending on your family's gross income, family size, or other criteria, some families may be asked to pay a cost for preschool. Chicago Public Schools Preschool programs are free.

Children who are in a temporary living situation or who are receiving special education (IEP) service will not be charged.

If your child may need special education, schedule a meeting with your preferred early learning program and get them tested by calling (773) 553-1800. Guardians must meet with the school within 30 days after their child is determined eligible for an IEP.

Chicago Public Schools and community-based sites are not able to provide transportation to all early learning programs across the city. However, Chicago Early Learning encourages families to take advantage of public transit opportunities. Learn more at the CTA website.