Apply between 4/8/25 and 4/30/25 to be considered for CPS based and community based preschool options. Read more HERE.

Check out programs by visiting sites between 4/7-4/13. Tours can be found at https://www.cps.edu/gocps/pre-k/

Very helpful FAQs for families include the priority list of acceptances can be found at https://www.cps.edu/ChicagoEarlyLearning/faq/

Priority list of acceptances:

Which applicants receive priority placement?

Chicago Early Learning programs prioritize enrollment based on children with the highest need first. The greater the need, the greater the chances are that a child will get into their top program choice.

CPS Pre-K Programs consider the following priority factors:

• 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 consider the following priority factors:

• 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.