Chicago Public Schools Continues Preschool Expansion to Nearly Every City Neighborhood

CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) continues to expand early childhood learning opportunities as part of a citywide initiative to ensure every four-year-old child in the city has access to free full-day programming. CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova, Commissioner Brandie Knazze of the Department of Family Support and Services (DFSS), and CPS Chief Early Childhood Officer Leslie Mckinily visited preschool classrooms at Arnold Mireles Academy this morning as the early learning application portal opened, making preschool registration available for the 2023-24 school year.

“We know that preschool education can make a tremendous impact on children’s academic growth and well being,” said CPS Chief Education Officer Chkoumbova. “The research is clear that preschool programs help our students prepare for success in kindergarten and beyond.”

Families can now register for the District’s free full-day programming for four-year-olds and half-day programming for three- year-olds via the Chicago Early Learning website and registration portal, along with early childhood programming offered through community-based organizations approved by the Chicago Department of Family Support and Services (DFSS). Together, CPS and DFSS are offering an expanded schedule of in-person events and support services through the spring to help families bridge any technical or internet access issue and easily register for these critical early learning opportunities.

“The long-term positive effects of quality early education cannot be overstated. Our programs prepare our youngest learners for their educational journey and help make connections that will benefit them and their families for years to come,” said Commissioner Brandie Knazze of DFSS. “We are excited by the continued success and launch of the expanded early learning portal.”

Staff at CPS’ Family Resource Centers (FRCs) provide support to families during the application and verification process. The centers are conveniently located inside eight Chicago Public Library branches across the city and one CPS administrative office. Support appointments are required and include eve- ning hours. Appointments can be made online on the Family Resource Centers website page. Additionally, during the week of April 24th, many CPS elementary schools will host open houses and pre-school registration events so that families can become more familiar with their local preschool offerings and also receive registration support. Individuals with limited internet access can also call any CPS elementary school to reserve time for in-person registration support at an elementary school.

“We want to make sure that our parent choice remains an integral part of the application process,” said Mckinily, CPS Chief of Early Childhood Education. “The fact that so many families opt to attend their neighborhood school reflects our mission to offer strong neighborhood schools and ensure they serve the needs of our families.”

The high-quality CPS free full-day preschool programs meet all federal, state and local education standards and all schools are engaged in continuous quality improvement. Preschool for All programs are awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze Circle of Quality, as determined by a state-approved independent review. Eighty one percent of CPS preschool programs meet the Gold Circle of Quality or the highest standards for quality in three areas: learning environment and teaching, administration, and training and education. The remaining 19 percent of schools are on the journey to earning Gold with 15 percent already at the second level, or Silver status, and four percent at the Bronze level.

“CPS continues to provide the supports our families need the most,” said Mireles Academy principal Evelyn Randle-Robbins. “At Mireles, there’s a strong need for additional educational options allowing work flexibility for our parents. The expansion of early childhood education District-wide will assist in making sure our school community has as many resources as possible.”

Over the past several years, the District has expanded the number of classrooms providing free full-day preschool to nearly all 77 Chicago communities with the aim to provide better educational and social outcomes for all children, especially those with the greatest needs. The District’s 20th Day

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