Children experiencing homelessness promised priority placement
Beginning Tuesday, April 8, applications will be available for Chicago families to enroll preschool-age children in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) pre-K programs for the 2025-26 school year.
Families will be able to apply online at chicagoearlylearning.org or over the phone at (312) 229-1690.
Children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2025 to enroll in a CPS preschool program next year. Through the same application, families can also apply to enroll their children in community-based preschool and early learning programs, including Head Start and Early Head Start, which serve children from prenatal to age 5. During the application process, families will be able to rank their top choices.
CPS promises priority placement for children in families experiencing homelessness. But it is still important to apply as early as possible to avoid being placed on a waitlist for your preferred program.
The Law Project of the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness is available to answer questions and help families by phone with completing the application for preschool enrollment.
Contact Education Attorney Alyssa Phillips at 1 (800) 940-1119 or aphillips@chicagohomeless.org if you need assistance with preschool enrollment.
Children experiencing homelessness can be enrolled in preschool without proof of address, income, guardianship or other documents normally needed for enrollment. This includes children living in shelters, those sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship (“doubled-up”), or those living in other temporary living situations.
Families experiencing homelessness should indicate their living situation on the application and notify the person assisting them with preschool enrollment.
Early childhood education is a crucial component to a child’s development and future academic success. Studies show that children who attend preschool are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and stay out of the criminal justice system.
