How Pre-K applications work
Chicago Pre-K has its own application, called Chicago Early Learning. This page covers the dates, choices, offers, and next steps. Every fact here comes from CPS.
Pre-K has its own application
Families apply for Pre-K through Chicago Early Learning. It is a different system from GoCPS, which families use for kindergarten and up.
One application covers both CPS Pre-K in schools and community preschools run by local agencies.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning FAQ and How to Apply pages, checked Sep 24, 2026.
When to apply
The first application period for the 2026-27 school year was April 7 to April 28, 2026. Families who applied in that window had the best chance of an offer.
Families can still apply after that. Applications stay open all year.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning FAQ and How to Apply pages, checked Sep 24, 2026.
Choose up to 5 programs
You rank up to 5 programs, with the one you want most first. You can go back later to change the order or add programs.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning FAQ and How to Apply pages, checked Sep 24, 2026.
How offers work
Each child gets one offer. It is for the highest program on your list that has a seat.
If that offer is not your first choice, your child also goes on the waitlist for each program you ranked higher. Programs you ranked lower show "not offered."
Seats are not given out first come, first served. A waitlist number comes from the priorities below, not from the order families applied.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning FAQ and How to Apply pages, checked Sep 24, 2026.
Age rules
A child who turns 4 on or before September 1, 2026, can apply for CPS full-day and half-day Pre-K.
A child who turns 3 on or before September 1, 2026, can apply for CPS half-day Pre-K. Seats for 3-year-olds are limited.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning FAQ page, checked Sep 24, 2026.
Who gets priority
CPS gives priority to families with lower income, children in foster care, and children in temporary living situations.
CPS also gives priority to a child whose brother or sister goes to the same school, a child who lives in the school’s attendance area, and a child who lives within 1.5 miles.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning FAQ page, checked Sep 24, 2026.
After an offer: accept, verify, enroll
Accept: tell the program yes. You can accept online, on the Family Support Hotline (312-229-1690), by calling the program, or in person.
Verify: within two weeks of your offer, bring papers to the program or to a Family Resource Center. Bring proof of your child’s age (like a birth certificate or passport), two proofs of your address, and one proof of income for each parent.
Enroll: the program tells you its own steps to finish enrollment.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning How to Apply page, checked Sep 24, 2026.
What it costs
CPS Pre-K is free. Community preschools have free and low-cost options based on family income.
Source: CPS Chicago Early Learning FAQ page, checked Sep 24, 2026.
Find Pre-K and apply
SchoolNav shows which schools and community preschools have Pre-K. You apply on the Chicago Early Learning site.