North Side Pre-Schools

CPS does offer a full day program but it's tuition based. My son's now in his second year at Blain's preschool. This program is only offered at certain schools (Blaine, Audobon, etc.) but they do take kids outside of the attendance area (we live in Portage Park) Current cost is $821 a month and the hours are from 7:00am to 6:00pm. You can look the program up in the CPS website. There are however more reasonably priced programs that feed into CPS and they would receive a CPS ID when enrolled. I know that Mosaic does this. They have a location on Addison (about 5200 west) and they have one in Evanston. There's also a Kindercare facility on Elston Ave. I believe it's called ABC ChildCare. I don't have too many details on them. I wish you luck in your search.

Have you checked into the Northside Parent Network? There is a fee to join, but I have heard they do a great job helping parents navigate the school issue.

I don't know where in the city you live, but we live in lakeview and all of the great neighborhood schools also have 1/2 day and full day preschool programs that teach spanish, computers and art. Check out Blaine. Good luck!

Chicago Public schools have tuition-based full day program for 3 & 4 year olds in some locations. Check your local school or at the Chicago Public School site on-line to see if there is one near you. Now would be a good time to check for next year because availablity may be limited.