Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP)
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Known as universal preschool, we provide free preschool to Cambridge 4 year-olds and some 3 year-olds beginning in September.
Sign-up Information
- Child must be a Cambridge resident (with a parent or legal guardian who is a Cambridge resident).
- 4-years-old by August 31, 2025, or 3 years old by August 31, 2025, (there are limited seats for 3-year-olds and matching is not guaranteed)
Ages: 3 and 4.
Grades Preschool and Junior Kindergarten.
Cambridge residents only.
Eligibility for application:
Translation services available - Contact the organization for more details..
Wheelchair accessible.
Application required
- Specific dates
The application for the 2025-2026 school year is now available.
Required Documents:
As you prepare to complete your application, please have the following documents prepared and ready to upload:
- Parent/Legal Guardian ID
- Child Birth-Certificate or Passport
- Documentation of Family Income
- Proof of Cambridge Residency
- Proof of Occupancy
- Child's Physical/Immunization
*More details about what types of documents are acceptable as proof/verification can be found visit our CPP Webpage.
The timeline for application and enrollment:
- Apply any time between October 1st-31st, 2024.
- Notification of preschool match in early March 2025.
- Families have 2 weeks from notification to accept or decline their placement.
Cost
Free for 6-hour school day, additional costs for extended day and summer care.
- Financial Aid and/or Scholarship Available
- Accepts Vouchers
- Sliding scale based on income
- Free for some residents
Location
The program location changes over time.
- In-person only.
- Transportation from school provided for some eligible students; check with your child's school.
Dates and Times
This is an ongoing program.
Monday through Friday.
Schedule varies based on the program your child enrolls in.
Additional information
The Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), also known as universal preschool, will provide FREE preschool to Cambridge 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds beginning in September each year. CPP provides high quality preschool, and families can choose from a variety of Cambridge-based preschool programs.
A child is eligible if they live in Cambridge and are:
- 4 years old by August 31, 2025 or
- 3 years old by August 31, 2025 for 3 year old programs
Please note there will be limited seats for 3-year-olds and there may be additional eligibility requirements.
CPP allows families to choose from our many partners, including Cambridge Public Schools, Department of Human Services Preschools, and community based partners. To find out more about the Office of Early Childhood and CPP please visit https://earlychildhoodcambridge.org/
Resources
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Last updated October 1, 2024.
See all programs from Cambridge Office of Early Childhood (OEC)