Chicago childcare: Choose Care That Fits Your Hours

Start with the hours you need covered

Write down your earliest drop-off and latest pickup, including travel time. Add school holidays, summer weeks and days when your work schedule changes. Send the same schedule to each provider so you can compare offers without guessing which hours the quoted fee includes.

Chicago Early Learning says community-based programs may operate longer than a traditional school day, often up to 10 hours, but hours vary by location. Many offer summer hours. Ask about the site's daily schedule and annual calendar before treating full-day preschool as coverage for your entire workday. [1]

For a sitter or nanny covering hours around preschool, describe the handoff: who collects your child, where care takes place and whether driving is required. Ask for a written agreement covering duties, pay, cancellations and authorized pickups. Decide who will cover a caregiver's absence.

Check preschool age and placement requirements

For the 2026–2027 school year, Chicago residents whose children turned four on or before September 1, 2026, meet the CPS age threshold for full-day and half-day preschool. Children who turned three by that date meet the half-day age threshold, with limited space for three-year-olds. These age thresholds do not guarantee a seat. [1]

All CPS Pre-K children with an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, must receive a school assignment from the CPS Office for Students with Disabilities. If your child has an IEP or Individual Family Service Plan and that office has not directed you to complete the online application, call its School Assignment hotline at 773-553-1847 for guidance. [1]

For infants and toddlers, explore community-based early learning programs and age-appropriate licensed centers or homes. Chicago Early Learning includes community-based options from birth through preschool age, with additional eligibility criteria possible. The state provider lookup lists age ranges, facility types and languages to help you narrow your calls. [1] [3]

During a tour, ask who will care for your child, how staff handle naps and meals, and how they communicate with parents. Discuss allergies, medication, toilet learning and developmental support before accepting a place.

Check status and inspection history

Search the Illinois licensed-provider lookup by name, city or ZIP code. The state says its results include currently licensed facilities. Match the address to your intended location, then use the separate compliance search for license status and compliance history. [3]

Illinois recognizes licensed and license-exempt childcare arrangements. If a provider does not appear in the licensed lookup, ask which category applies and how you can verify it. For a center claiming an exemption, ask to see its Certification of Exemption; the Illinois Department of Early Childhood determines whether a center meets the exemption criteria. [3] [4]

Read inspection findings and ask the director to explain any correction plan. The compliance page says new information can take 48 to 72 hours to appear. For clarification about a recent inspection, request the report from the provider or call the state provider information line at 1-877-746-0829. [2]

Compare the cost of your complete arrangement

CPS Pre-K is free of charge. Community-based early learning programs offer no-cost and low-cost options based on family income; contact your chosen program for enrollment costs. Request a written fee schedule for your child's age and required hours. [1]

Ask the provider to itemize registration charges, deposits, meals, supplies, late pickup fees and charges during closures or absences. Include sitter coverage around preschool in your budget. Compare what you would pay over the same period, using the same coverage hours.

The Child Care Assistance Program, or CCAP, supports eligible families using school, center and home-based care, with family contributions based on income and family size. A Child Care Resource and Referral agency determines family eligibility, and an eligible provider must accept the child. Chicago Early Learning states that CCAP does not apply to CPS schools. [1] [4]

Screen a caregiver and confirm the start plan

For a nanny or sitter, ask for identification, references you can contact, permission for background screening and current age-appropriate CPR and first-aid training. Discuss infant sleep practices when relevant, emergency contacts, discipline, outings and phone use. Arrange a supervised introduction before leaving your child with a new caregiver.

CCAP has background-check, training and monitoring requirements, with exceptions for some relatives. Ask a participating caregiver which requirements apply and request evidence of completed training. Confirm their progress rather than assuming that application approval means they have completed all training. [4]

Before ending existing care, obtain the new provider's confirmed start date, payment terms and enrollment requirements. Agree on backup care for illness or closures and provide written emergency and pickup instructions.

CPS preschool age thresholds for Chicago residents

Which arrangement should you investigate first?

Your hiring checklist

1. Write your child's age, required start date, daily hours and closure-day coverage needs.
2. Ask each provider to confirm a place and the exact schedule.
3. Match the provider's name and address to its licensing or exemption documentation.
4. Review inspection findings and ask about unresolved corrections.
5. Tour the setting or arrange a supervised caregiver introduction.
6. Request an itemized fee schedule and written cancellation terms.
7. Discuss allergies, medication, emergency procedures and authorized pickups.
8. Confirm enrollment and backup care before ending your current arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for preschool in October?

Yes. Chicago Early Learning accepts applications year-round, including after school starts, although availability may be limited. CPS applicants must reside in Chicago. Call 312-229-1690 for application help and contact the program to confirm its schedule. [1]

Does meeting the CPS age cutoff guarantee admission?

No. CPS requires Chicago residency, and age eligibility does not guarantee placement. For 2026–2027, children must have turned four by September 1, 2026, for full-day age eligibility, or three for half-day age eligibility. Children with IEPs also need an Office for Students with Disabilities school assignment. [1]

Does a missing lookup result mean a provider is operating illegally?

The licensed lookup lists currently licensed facilities, while Illinois also recognizes license-exempt arrangements. Ask the provider which category applies and verify the explanation before proceeding. [3] [4]

Can I apply for CCAP before choosing a provider?

IDEC says an eligible family can receive application approval without identifying a qualified provider. You still need an eligible provider to accept your child. Ask your Child Care Resource and Referral agency about the next steps. [4]