Early Learning Preschool - South Loop Elementary School

South Loop Elementary is excited to offer preschool options for School Year 2022-23:

Universal PreK / Chicago Early Learning Program for 4 year olds (2 classrooms, capacity 40 students)

Quick Facts about Chicago Early Learning Preschool (Universal Pre-K)

Chicago Early Learn vision is to provide universal access to full day pre-school, ensuring there is available quality pre-k for every four-year-old in their community and comprehensive support for parents and guardians.

Operation is the length of the CPS school year.
Operating 8:00 am – 3:00 pm on CPS school days for free
Utilizes Creative Curriculum Literacy Approach in all classrooms, providing a research-based structure to support student growth and learning
Fee based extended day options through our after school partner. This is only offered at South Loop School.
Participation in the UPK program does not guarantee your child’s acceptance or provide lottery/waitlist preference into the South Loop Elementary kindergarten program when you live outside the school’s attendance boundary.

How to Apply for Universal PreK

Step 1: All early childhood children in the City of Chicago must apply for preschool through Chicago Early Learning or by calling the Family Hotline at 312-229-1690 and completing the online application. No students will be allowed to enroll in a CPS preschool program without completing the online universal preschool application.

Step 2: Families are notified via email by CEL which states their preliminary placement offer or waitlist status.

Step 3: Families that have been “offered” a placement must confirm the information submitted on the application by completing the document verification process (Age, Income & Residency) at their ‘offered’ school.

Step 4 (optional) For families that need a longer school day, South Loop School offers a fee based after school program through our partner, Youth Guidance. The program runs the length of the school year. Operating 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Registration and payment required. This option is only offered at South Loop School.