Pre-Kindergarten Program Resources

Preschool & Early Learning Opportunities Near You
Free, Reduced-Cost & Private-Pay Options for Families

Looking for preschool or early learning for your child? There are several options in and around East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights and Brooklyn, including free public Pre-K, Head Start and Early Head Start, as well as child care programs that may accept financial assistance.

START HERE: Not sure which program is right for your family? Start by contacting your local school district or SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start. You can also ask any child care provider if they accept Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding.

EAST ST. LOUIS

Vivian D. Adams Early Childhood Center | District 189
Free public Pre-K
501 Katherine Dunham Place, East St. Louis
618-646-3290
Website
Ask about Pre-K enrollment, eligibility, screenings and available openings.

Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary | District 189
Public Pre-K
East St. Louis
618-646-3860
Website
Contact District 189 for current Pre-K enrollment information.

SIUE Discovery Center Head Start & Early Head Start
Free for eligible families | Infants through preschool
601 James R. Thompson Blvd., Building D, East St. Louis
618-482-6973
Website

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Head Start Center
Free for eligible families | Preschool
101 Jackie Joyner-Kersee Circle, East St. Louis
618-215-6084
Website

Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood Family Development Center / SIUE Head Start Collaboration
Early childhood and Head Start services
1045 State Street, East St. Louis
618-875-9761
Website

Uni-Pres Kindercottage
Child care and early learning
564 Veronica Avenue, East St. Louis
618-874-6505
Website
Ask about tuition, openings and financial assistance.

Kids of Hope Child Development Center
Child care and preschool/early learning
4001 State Street, East St. Louis
618-874-4673
Ask about tuition, openings and financial assistance.

Powell's Academy
Child care and preschool-age programming
1206 N. 71st Street, East St. Louis
618-293-6638
Ask about tuition, openings and financial assistance.

Delta Child Development Center
Early childhood and child care
1012 S. 15th Street, East St. Louis
618-482-4400
Ask about tuition, openings and financial assistance.

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS & SAUGET

Cahokia Unit School District 187 Early Childhood Program
Free/publicly funded Pre-K | Ages 3–5
1824 Jerome Lane, Cahokia Heights
618-332-5665
Website
Ask about preschool screening, enrollment and available openings.

Cahokia Head Start Center
Free for eligible families | Preschool
150 Edgar Street, Cahokia/Sauget
618-332-7932
Website

Michelle's Place Child Care Center
Child care and early learning
1822 Jerome Lane, Cahokia Heights
618-337-2273
Website
Ask about tuition, openings and CCAP.
They also have a location in Granite City, Illinois

Kid's World Daycare
Child care and preschool-age programming
1164 Jones Street, Cahokia/Sauget
618-337-3370
Website
Ask about tuition, openings and CCAP.

BROOKLYN & LOVEJOY

Lovejoy Head Start Center
Free for eligible families | Preschool
120 N. 6th Street, Brooklyn
618-874-5007
Contact the program about enrollment, eligibility and current openings.

HERE IS AN ILLINOIS DAY CARE PROVIDER LOOKUP RESOURCE!

NEED HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE? Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Don't assume a child care or preschool program is out of reach because it charges tuition.
Eligible families may receive assistance through CCAP, which helps pay for child care at participating providers. The amount a family pays depends on factors such as household income and family size.

When contacting a child care provider, ask: "Do you accept CCAP, and can you help me understand what my family may qualify for?"

ANOTHER PLACE TO START - SIUE Head Start & Early Head Start - Programs are available throughout St. Clair County for eligible families with young children. Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers, while Head Start serves preschool-age children.
Head Start Enrollment: 618-482-6951

Families can also search for licensed child care and early learning programs through Illinois Cares for Kids.

A Simple First Step: You don't have to figure everything out at once. Call one or two programs that are convenient for your family and ask: Do you have an opening for my child's age? Is the program free? If not, do you accept CCAP or offer other financial assistance? What do I need to do to apply?

Programs, eligibility requirements, openings and costs can change. Families are encouraged to contact each provider directly for the most current information.