Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced the expansion of universal full-day pre-kindergarten programs in 28 communities across Chicago. As part of Mayor Emanuel’s plan to provide universal pre-k by 2021, more than 100 new full-day classrooms will be added next school year. As part of a $27 million increase in CPS Pre-K spending next year, the district is opening more than 100 free, full-day pre-k classes next year. The 28 high-needs communities will include: Auburn Gresham, Avalon Park, Burnside, Calumet Heights, Chatham, East Side, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Hegewisch, Pullman, Riverdale, Roseland, South Chicago, South Deering, Washington Heights, West Englewood, West Pullman; Austin, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Lower West Side, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, West Garfield Park, West Town and Uptown. As part of this expansion, the Department of Family and Support Services will add another $50 million to support community-based organizations providing early education programs through an upcoming RFP. All current early learning site locations can be found on the City’s easy-to-use, interactive online portal at www.chicagoearlylearning.org. Chicago’s Roadmap to Implementing Universal Pre-K (UPK), a report outlining the details of the four-year plan can be found at www.chilearn.org/UPK.