What is the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP)?
The Cambridge Preschool Program (also known as Universal Pre-K or UPK) is a publicly funded, mixed delivery system. A joint partnership between the City of Cambridge, the Department of Human Services Program (DHSP), and Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), CPP will provide access to high-quality early education and care for all Cambridge 4-year-olds and many 3-year-olds.
Highlights of CPP:
- Free preschool for all 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds.
- Programs to choose from:
- Cambridge Public Schools
- City of Cambridge’s Department of Human Service Programs
- Select community-based preschool providers
- A child is eligible if they live in Cambridge and are:
- 4 years old by August 31, 2024 for 4-year-old programs; or
- 3 years old by August 31, 2024 for 3-year-old programs (please note there will be limited seats for 3-year-olds and there may be additional eligibility requirements)
- High-quality state-approved curriculum
- Equitable learning experiences that focus on school readiness and social emotional learning
- Single, centralized online application (paper application will be available).
- Application for the 2024-2025 school year will open in winter 2023/2024.