Streamlining the Early Learning Enrollment Maze

Over 6 years ago, we made it our mission to “streamline the maze” of early learning enrollment in Chicago. Just recently, longtime early learning advocate and current Director of Early Education Policy for the City of Chicago, Samantha Aigner-Treworgy, met with POWER-PAC to proclaim that we are, indeed, parents leading change!

Back in 2009 we released our report, Why Isn’t Johnny in Preschool, making it clear that parents experience a “confusing and frustrating maze” when enrolling their children in early learning programs. We shared stories of multiple enrollment systems, children on preschool waiting lists who never get called back, and burdensome enrollment requirements creating barriers to enrollment for many families.

Finally, the City is heeding our advice – starting this Spring, they agreed to streamline the enrollment process! We are hopeful that this is a step in the right direction and that this confusing maze is about to get much simpler.