About ECE

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is the difference between the early childhood programs?

A: All early childhood programs provide a quality early childhood experience; however, the programs differ in their funding source.

Q:

How do I know which program is best for my child?

A: In most cases, the program eligibility criteria will determine which program(s) your child is eligible for enrollment. The Head Start Child Development (HS) program is designed to provide services to families with incomes below $20,000 per year for a family of four. The income level is established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on an annual basis. The Preschool for All (PFA, formally State Prekindergarten) program was established for children at risk of academic failure. Children must be screened to determine eligibility. Those children with the highest risk factors are given priority for enrollment. The Community Partnership program provides Preschool for All (PFA, formally State Prekindergarten) educational services to children already enrolled in participating child care programs.   Children enrolling in a Child-Parent Center (CPC) program must live in a Title I neighborhood. Residence in a Title I neighborhood allows children to attend any of the 13 Child-Parent Centers in Chicago. The Tuition Based Preschool (TBP) program provides services to children who are not eligible for a grant funded program, but wish to participate in an affordable education and child care program.

Q:

Do you have any half-day or full-day programs?

A: A limited number of full-day programs are available for children who qualify for the Head Start program. Additionally, the Community Partnership and the Tuition Based Preschool programs provide full-day education and child care services. All other programs offered by the Office of Early Childhood Education are half-day programs. Individual schools may have collaborative agreements with neighborhood child care programs for additional after school services. For an up-to-date listing of preschool programs, please click here or call the Office of Early Childhood Education at (773) 553-2010.

Q:

Must my child attend the school in my neighborhood?

A: Preschool programs do not have an attendance boundary; however, most principals require that students enrolled in their school reside in the school attendance area.

Q:

What do I do if there is no preschool program in my attendance area?

A: You may apply at a neighborhood school; however, the placement of your child in the program is up to the discretion of the principal and available space. 

Q:

What is my attendance area?

A: Please contact your local school with your home address or call the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Ombudsman Office at (773) 553-1000.

Q:

Is busing provided?

A: No, the Office of Early Childhood Education does not provide busing services for early childhood programs.

Q:

Does my child have to be toilet trained?

A: Yes, children must be toilet trained prior to school entry.

Q:

How old does my child have to be in order to enroll in school?

A: Children must be at least three years old on or before September 1st of the current school year.

Q:

What documents are needed to enroll my child in an early childhood program?

A: Birth cerficate, Proof of Residency, Proof of Income (Head Start Child Development program), Social Security Number, complete physical with up-to-date immunization record, dental screening Preschool for All (PFA, formally State Prekindergarten).

Q:

How much is the tuition for the Tuition Based Preschool program?

A: Currently, the tuition is $7,600 a year (38 weeks) or $200 per week.

Q:

How are payments processed for the Tuition Based Preschool program?

A: Beginning with the 2006-2007 school year, tuition payment services will be provided by Smart Tuition Management System. The system will provide parents the option of paying by check, electronic debit, or by credit card.

Q:

What if I believe my child may have special needs?

A: If you believe your preschool child may have a special need but has not been diagnosed and has never attended school, you may go to your neighborhood school and request that your child be assessed. The school counselor/case manager will review your concerns and schedule an assessment for your child. After the completion of the assessment, a conference will be scheduled to provide you with information regarding your child. If the assessment has determined that your child requires special services, they will be discussed with you at that time.

Q:

What should I look for in a quality preschool classroom?

A: Caring - promotes children's positive relationship with teachers and other children. Organized - establishes routines and schedules so children, teachers, and parents know what to expect and when. Intentional - provides a curriculum that promotes school readiness by aligning content with early learning standards and area schools.  Engaged - insures that children are engaged in the activities provided so that they can learn from them.