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About ECE
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
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What is the difference between the early childhood programs?
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A:
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All early
childhood programs provide a quality early childhood experience;
however, the programs differ in their funding source.
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Q:
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How do I know which program is best for my child?
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A:
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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.
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Q:
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Do you have any half-day or full-day programs?
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A:
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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.
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Q:
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Must my child attend the school in my neighborhood?
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A:
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Preschool programs do not have an attendance boundary; however, most
principals require that students enrolled in their school reside in
the school attendance area.
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Q:
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What do I do if there is no preschool program in my attendance
area?
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A:
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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.
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Q:
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What is my attendance area?
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A:
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Please contact your local school with your home address or call the
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Ombudsman Office at (773) 553-1000.
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Q:
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Is busing provided?
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A:
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No, the Office of Early Childhood Education does not provide busing
services for early childhood programs.
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Q:
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Does my child have to be toilet trained?
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A:
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Yes, children must be toilet trained prior to school entry.
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Q:
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How old does my child have to be in order to enroll in school?
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A:
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Children must be at least three years old on or before September 1st
of the current school year.
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Q:
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What documents are needed to enroll my child in an early
childhood program?
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A:
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Birth certificate, Proof of Residency, Proof of Income (Head Start
program), complete physical with up-to-date immunization record, and
dental screening.
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Q:
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How much is the tuition for the Tuition Based Preschool program?
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A:
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Currently, the tuition for the 2009-2010 school year will be $9,120
exclusive of meals. For information on the Tuition Based Preschool
Program click here.
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Q:
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How are payments processed for the Tuition Based Preschool
program?
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A:
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Tuition payment services will be provided by SMART Tuition
Management System. Payment options include paying by check or money
order; online credit and debit options are also available. At the
present time, SMART charges a non-refundable processing fee of $38
for using their payment system.
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Q:
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What if I believe my child may have special needs?
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A:
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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. You can also contact the Office of
Specialized Services at (773) 553-1800.
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Q:
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What should I look for in a quality preschool classroom?
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A:
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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.
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