On Wednesday, the City announced plans to implement universal full-day pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds, starting with an expansion for an additional 3,700 children next school year in CPS.  Access to universal full-day pre-kindergarten will roll out more each year over the next four years, highlighting communities with the most children in need. By the fall of 2021 pre-kindergarten will be universal for all 4-year-olds in Chicago. Studies consistently show that full-day preschool helps prepare children for kindergarten better than half-day programs, and also better meets the needs of working families. Full day programs typically have higher enrollment and attendance rates than half-day. To support the growth of the early childcare workforce, Mayor Emanuel, CCC, CPS, and DFSS announced the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship. The $2 million investment will expand the early childcare workforce by increasing access to coursework and credentials for educators who enroll in early childhood higher education programs. All current early learning site locations can be found on the City’s easy-to-use, interactive online portal at http://www.chicagoearlylearning.org.