Implement new How to Apply page

[smarziano]

The design for the How to Apply page is ready via issue #807.

We are currently waiting for content updates for this page from our partners. We are also waiting for the video asset from the communications firm.

[smarziano]

@theandrewbriggs Here are few suggestions/improvements based on what is currently on staging; I understand that there are a lot of items (assets and content) that need to be added so I will do another review later.

High Priority

• [x] Update header image
• [x] Add styling to “Are YOU ready to apply for a preschool?”
• [x] “Let the learning begin!” text is missing styling

Lower Priority

• [x] Adjust alignment of text under “How will you verify your child's placement?” section
• [x] Not enough space around the Enrollment Process steps text

[smarziano]

Here is the content for this page that has been reviewed and approved by our partners.

How to Apply

Are you ready to apply for preschool?

Enrolling your 3- or 4-year-old in a Chicago Early Learning preschool program is easy and open year-round. Follow these easy steps to get your child enrolled in preschool.

If you have any questions, please reference our FAQ page for more details.

Enrollment Process

Search Locations

Find and compare Chicago Early Learning programs to find the right one for your child. Get Started!

Apply to Program

Narrow it down to your top two picks. Create an online account, fill out family information, and a child application to preschool sites. If your child qualifies for an offer, you will follow next steps verify their placement. If your child remains on a waitlist, stay tuned for more information from the Chicago Early Learning team.

For CPS Site Offers: Verify placement through a Family Resource Center

Within two weeks of receiving your offer, bring proof of your family’s income, address, and your child’s birth to one of 12 Family Resource Center sites across the city. Click here for more information about Family Resource Centers. See below for more details about what documents you will provide.

OR

For Community-Based Site Offers: Verify placement through your community-program location

Within two weeks of receiving your offer, bring proof of your family’s income, address, and your child’s birth to your assigned community-based program location. See below for more details about what documents you will provide.

Enrollment at CPS-Program Location

Visit your child’s preschool over the summer or as soon as school starts to complete the enrollment process. The school may have more specific enrollment directions that they will communicate.

OR

Enrollment at Community-Program Location

When you visit your child’s community-based site to verify your child’s offer, your site will communicate any additional expectations they have to complete the enrollment process.

Go to School!

If you have questions, please call our Chicago Early Learning Hotline: (312) 229-1690 or visit a Family Resource Center near you.

[Search Locations] [Start an application]

How will you verify your child's placement?

If your child is offered a preliminary preschool placement, you will receive an email with verification instructions.

Follow these three steps to accept your child’s placement:

Step 1) Gather Documents

Proof of child’s age

Original birth certificate Passport

Proof of address

Driver’s license/ID card Utility bill Lease agreement/mortgage statement Current voter’s registration card

Proof of income

Current paystub 1040/W-2 SSI Letter Unemployment letter/stub Workers’ compensation letter/stub Retirement or pension stub/letter Alimony Official child support letter TANF Income verification form

Note: If your family is in a temporary living situation, you are not required to present the documents listed above for verification. All schools must immediately enroll students in temporary living situations even if the student lacks health, immunization or school records, proof of guardianship, proof of residency, or any other documentation normally required for school enrollment.

Have you found the right program for your child?

The City of Chicago and its partners offer early learning programs at over 600 sites. Visit our search page to identify sites in areas near your home or work. The Chicago Early Learning Portal allows you to identify a program’s quality rating, schedule and ages served.

[Learn about Program types]

Need Application Support?

If you have any concerns with the online application, please call our Chicago Early Learning Hotline at (312) 229-1690, or visit any of the Family Resource Centers.

[View Family Resource Centers]

[smarziano]

I went ahead and checked off the items from our last comments that were completed from commits (f0769f3...ddffa0f). Please see above.

Here is a new header image option to try for this page:

Here are some other final tasks:

Desktop

Higher priority

• [x] Add content for "Have you found the right program for your child?" and "Need application support?"
• [ ] Add line and numbers between steps
• [x] Check font styling of "Are YOU ready to apply for preschool?" headline (@amynicole)

Lower priority

• [ ] Make the CPS and Community-based icons a little smaller. (@amynicole)
• [x] Add some space between "Are YOU ready to apply for preschool?" headline and text

Mobile

• [ ] Documents list on this page does not fit in page:

[amynicole]

Font styling of "Are you ready for preschool" looks correct.

[theandrewbriggs]

@smarziano @amynicole I couldn't figure out a way to do the line between the step SVGs, I think if we add numbers, that should be enough?

[smarziano]

That absolutely should be enough. Especially for tomorrow.

[smarziano]

Last tweaks to this page:

• [ ] Zoom out of the header image
• [ ] Add a space below the questions "Have you found the right program for your child?" & "Need application support?" and the content
• [x] Make sure buttons are linked to the right places
• [x] On mobile, the "View Family Resource Centers" button is cut off

[smarziano]

I am going to create a new issue for remaining items. Closing this issue.