Help Paying for Preschool in Illinois (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Illinois families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start in Illinois
Head Start is free, federally funded preschool (ages 3–5; Early Head Start under 3) for families at or below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 for a family of four in Illinois (2026) — and it's free regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. See the full income limits by household size → · Find a Illinois program →
Public pre-K in Illinois
Illinois's public pre-K, Preschool for All (PFA), is income- or risk-based (ages 3–4, expanding toward universal under Smart Start). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Illinois program info →
Childcare subsidy in Illinois
Separate from preschool programs, Illinois's childcare subsidy — Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — helps working families pay for care (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to up to 225% of the federal poverty level at application (about $74,250 for a family of 4) — roughly $74,250 for a family of four — measured against the federal poverty level. Eligible up to 250% FPL once enrolled. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Illinois
See also: when your child can start school in Illinois · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.