Finding stable housing is hard enough. Trying to enroll your child in preschool while navigating homelessness or temporary housing can feel overwhelming. The good news is that families living in temporary housing in Chicago have important educational rights, and there are programs designed to help young children access early learning opportunities quickly and without unnecessary barriers.
Preschool Enrollment Is Available — Even Without Typical Documents
Many families worry they cannot enroll their child in preschool because they do not have paperwork like proof of address, income verification, guardianship records, or other documents schools often request. However, children experiencing homelessness still have the right to enroll.
Families living in temporary housing may qualify for priority placement in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) preschool programs and other city-funded early childhood programs.
This includes families who are:
- Staying with friends or relatives because they lost housing or cannot afford rent
- Living in a motel, hotel, campground, or trailer park due to lack of stable housing
- Staying in an emergency or transitional shelter
- Living in a car, on the street, or in another unstable or unsafe situation
Who Can Enroll?
For CPS preschool programs, children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026 to enroll in the 2026–27 school year.
Community-based preschool programs may serve children from infancy through age 5, giving families additional options depending on their child’s age and needs.
How to Apply
Families can apply online through the Chicago Early Learning system or by phone.
Chicago Early Learning Application Information: https://www.cps.edu/ChicagoEarlyLearning/how-to-apply/
Families can also call the Family Support Hotline at 312-229-1690 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Applications for the 2026–27 school year open in April 2026, but families can apply throughout the year. Applying early and letting staff know about your temporary housing situation may help with priority placement.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting an application, families will receive an email notification about their child’s placement.
Once a child receives a preschool spot, families can accept or decline the offer:
- Online through their Chicago Early Learning account
- By calling the Family Support Hotline
- By contacting the school directly
- By visiting the school in person
Transportation Rights Matter Too
Transportation can be one of the biggest barriers for families experiencing homelessness. Children attending CPS preschool programs may qualify for free transportation services if they are living in temporary housing.
Families whose children attend community-based preschool programs should ask individual providers about available transportation options.
Immigration Status Does Not Prevent Enrollment
Families should know that a child’s immigration status does not affect their right to enroll in preschool. Schools cannot require families to disclose a child’s immigration status in order to attend school.
Why Early Childhood Education Matters
Preschool helps children build foundational academic and social-emotional skills before kindergarten. For children experiencing housing instability, access to consistent early learning can provide routine, support, and stability during a difficult time.
Making sure families know their rights is an important step toward ensuring every child has access to education, regardless of housing status.
Need Help?
Please reach out to the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness!
Alyssa Phillips
Phone: (872) 588-6800
Email: aphillips@chicagohomeless.org
