Am I Eligible?
Cambridge Preschool Program Eligibility
To APPLY for CPP, a child must be:
- A current Cambridge resident (or have verified proof of upcoming residency)
- 4-years-old by August 31st of the following school year
OR - 3-years-old by August 31st of the following school year
4-Year-Old Eligibility & Enrollment
Important Information regarding 4-year-old enrollment:
- Children who are 4-years-old by August 31st are guaranteed enrollment in the Cambridge Preschool Program.
- 4-Year-Olds may apply to all three CPP provider types (CPS, DHSP, and Community-Based providers).
- The Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) is a publicly-funded program that provides access to free, high-quality preschool for all Cambridge 4-year-olds.
- 4-Year-Olds who meet one of the priority criteria (below) receive free extended day and summer care if available at their program.
3-Year-Old Eligibility & Enrollment
Important Information regarding 3-year-old enrollment:
- Enrollment for children who are 3-years-old as of August 31st is not guaranteed; however, enrollment is guaranteed for 3-year-olds who qualify for priority status.
- 3-Year-Olds who do not meet one of the priority criteria (below) are eligible to apply for limited seats at Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) and Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) preschools only.
Please note: DHSP tuition is not free for a school-day, school-year placement for 3-year-olds who do not meet priority criteria. Tuition rates range from approximately $400 to $1900 per month. Please see: DHSP sliding scale tuition rates see here.
- 3-Year-Olds who DO meet one of the priority criteria (below) are eligible to:
- Apply to all three CPP provider types Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP), and community-based programs.
- Receive free extended day and summer care if available at their program.
- Enrollment is guaranteed for 3-year-olds with priority status.
Priority Criteria & Eligibility
Children/families who meet any one of the criteria below receive priority status in the CPP enrollment process:
- Family is eligible for free or reduced lunch (CPS programs). Free/Reduced Income Guidelines
- Family income is at or below 65% of Area Median Income (DHSP and community programs)
- Family is currently experiencing homelessness
- The child is in foster care
Families who qualify for priority enrollment:
- Receive free extended day and summer tuition if available at their program
- Are eligible to apply to community-based providers as 3-year-olds
CPP Application
Click the button below to apply to the Cambridge Preschool Program today!
CPP Provider Search Tool
Families are encouraged to use the CPP Search Tool to review our provider profiles prior to the application process for general information, including locations, hours, and more.