What is the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP)?
The Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), overseen by the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood (OEC) in collaboration with the City of Cambridge and Cambridge Public Schools, is a publicly funded program that provides access to free, high-quality preschool for all Cambridge 4-year-olds and prioritized 3-year-olds.
Families apply to CPP through a single, centralized online application. They can choose from preschool programs offered by Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP), and select community-based preschool and family childcare providers.
CPP covers the cost of the school-day, school-year portion of preschool programs. Depending on a family’s income, there may be additional costs for programs that provide full-day, full-year (including summer) preschool.
Highlights of the Cambridge Preschool Program
CPP Classrooms Offer:
- A high-quality, state-approved curriculum
- Equitable learning experiences that focus on school readiness and social-emotional learning
Families can choose from classrooms in:
- Cambridge Public Schools (CPS)
- City of Cambridge’s Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP)
- Select community-based preschool & family childcare providers
Cambridge residents who will be 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2026 are eligible to apply to CPP for enrollment in the 2026-2027 school year.
*Please note there are limited seats for 3-year-olds and there may be additional eligibility requirements.
Program Overview
4-year-olds are guaranteed enrollment in the Cambridge Preschool Program.
3-Year-Olds with priority status are guaranteed enrollment in the Cambridge Preschool Program. Other 3-year-olds may apply for limited seats in a limited number of programs, though enrollment is not guaranteed.
Some families may qualify for priority enrollment based on income and other family circumstances.
Families may accept or decline their placement, but will not be offered another placement if they decline.
Program schedules and costs vary by provider and family.
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.