To increase preschool enrollment, volunteers go door-to-door

Despite near-universal free pre-K in Chicago, enrollment in South and West Side schools lags behind the city average.

WBEZ
COFI volunteers go door-to-door looking for potential preschools on the West Side. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ
WBEZ
COFI volunteers go door-to-door looking for potential preschools on the West Side. Manuel Martinez / WBEZ

To increase preschool enrollment, volunteers go door-to-door

Despite near-universal free pre-K in Chicago, enrollment in South and West Side schools lags behind the city average.

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Free preschool is now available for all students in 64 of Chicago’s 77 community areas. But after an enrollment dip from the COVID pandemic, over 3,000 preschool seats, especially on the South and West Sides, remain unfilled.

Reset checks in with an education reporter and a volunteer who goes door-to-door spreading awareness and helping parents with the preschool enrollment process.

GUESTS: Nereida Moreno, WBEZ education reporter

Michelle Morton, parent volunteer, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)