Pre-K - South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools)

Pre-K is an exciting time for children as they work to develop abilities and independence that will help prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond.

The Pre-K program is for four-year-old's one year prior to starting kindergarten. Children must be age four on or before Sept. 1. The program is located at most elementary school sites and offers programming five days per week with morning and afternoon half-day options. Parents are responsible for their child's transportation to and from school.

Register

2023-24 Schedule

Early Childhood Screening

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Contact

Enrollment Questions:

Brenda Griffin
Office Coordinator
651-425-7160
bgriffin@sowashco.org

Program Manager

Joyce Beaird
Early Learning Family Services Manager
651-425-7169
jbeaird@sowashco.org

Pre-K Calendar

Pre-kindergarten Sites

Pre-K is offered at the following schools:

Armstrong Elementary
Bailey Elementary
Cottage Grove Elementary
Crestview Elementary
Hillside Elementary
Liberty Ridge Site II (11283 Eagle View Blvd., Suite 102
Woodbury, MN 55129)
Newport Elementary*
Pullman Elementary
Royal Oaks Elementary
Valley Crossing Elementary
Woodbury Elementary

*Newport Pre-Kindergarten is available only to Newport school boundary residents based on school specific state funding. All other school sites are available to residents and non-residents based on availability.

Program sites and availability are subject to change. There is an $85 application fee due at the time of enrollment.

If you are interested in two or three day options, check out our Multi-age preschool schedule with classes at various times and days at these locations:

Liberty Ridge Site II
Valley Crossing Elementary

Registration Information

Online Registration

Pre-Kindergarten registration begins on Jan. 10 through Feb. 11, 2022. After that time an initial lottery for placement at your designated school site will take place. Registrations that are fully completed will be placed in the initial placement lottery. After Feb. 11, registrations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Registrations received after June 18, 2022 will not be confirmed until after Aug. 2, 2022.

If your family does not have access to a computer or need assistance, the Early Learning office staff will be happy to assist you with your registration by phone. If you have questions or need support with your registration, please call: 651-425-7160.

Register for Pre-K

How to Register

1. Go to sowashco.ce.eleyo.com

2. Click “Sign in” to sign in or “Create an Account”

3. Select “Explore All Programs”

4. Select “Three’s & Multi-age Preschool,” or “Four’s Pre-k”

5. Click “Learn More”

6. Select your first choice of class and “Enroll Now”

7. Select “Attending Child” and follow prompts

8. Mail, fax, or drop off a copy of your child’s proof of birth and immunization records.

9. Schedule an Early Childhood Screening by calling: 651-425-6175 or by email: srohr@sowashco.org

10. To complete the application, you are required to enter a payment method in the form of a credit/check card or bank account information. If you do not have the ability to enter this information, contact us at 651-425-7160 to complete the application over the phone.

Selecting a Class and Required Documents

Upon making class selections, indicate your first choice by selecting that class at the beginning of the registration process. There will be an opportunity during the registration process to indicate your second choice. You will also need to provide:

Proof of birth (birth certificate or equivalent)
Immunization records
Proof of early childhood screening

If you have questions related to documents necessary for enrollment, please call our Early Learning Office: 651-425-7160.

Please note: If you are registering for the Pre-Kindergarten (4-year-old program), your child will not be placed in a class until Early Childhood Screening has been completed. Please call: 651-425-6175 or email srohr@sowashco.org to schedule an appointment if your child has not completed Early Childhood Screening.

Tuition and Registration Fee

Tuition

Nine monthly payments of $371 will be due on the 1st of each month, beginning Sept. 1, 2022 through May 1, 2023 for Pre-K families enrolled five days/week.
Payments received after the 5th of each month will be charged a $25 late fee.
If your financial situation changes, please contact our office immediately to make arrangements for payment. Because our program is primarily supported by fees our fees are relied upon for operating expenses. Any nonpayment that becomes delinquent will be required to be sent to our collections if an alternative financial plan is not made with our office.
A two-week notice is required when withdrawing your child from class. Failure to do so may result in additional charges. All outstanding balances must be paid in full.

Registration Fee

A registration fee of $85 is required at the time of enrollment. If you pay your registration fee by credit card, your card will not be processed until your child is placed into a class. All checks will be processed upon receipt. The registration fee is a one-time charge and is nonrefundable once your child has been placed in a class.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available for families that meet certain State eligibility requirements. Financial assistance can be applied for online when you are registering for Preschool or Pre-Kindergarten. Families may be required to provide proof of income. Those qualifying for assistance will also be required to complete a State Pathways Scholarship application. Limited district scholarships are available.

Class Confirmation

Early Learning Enrollment Contacts

Enrollment Requirements

Toilet Skills

Highly Qualified Staff

Curriculum and Assessment

Transportation

Safe Practice Protocols / Expectations for Drop-off and Pick-up

As the district Preschool and Pre-K programs grow in the elementary buildings, it is our duty to partner with parents to ensure that safe practices are followed for our youngest learners. The district expectations for dropping off and picking up students are listed below as well as the transportation practices expected. We also ask that you follow your school site procedures for those safety expectations unique to the school or community site your child attends.

Arrival

Parents or another designated adult must escort children to and from the classroom or the designated place where the staff will greet children each day. Children will only be released to designated individuals. Please indicate on your child’s emergency card if there are other adults who may pick up your child. An ID will be requested anytime an adult other than the child's designated adult pick up.

If there is an emergency situation where another adult that is not listed on your child’s emergency card, must pick up your child, contact your child’s teacher and inform them in writing (email or written note) the name of the person that will pick up your child. Teachers will not release a student to a person not authorized by the parent or legal guardian.

Prompt Pick-Up

Arrive five minutes prior to the end of class in order to be prompt in picking up your child. Young children often get very concerned when the other children have been picked up and they are left to wait. Ensuring prompt pick-up demonstrates consideration of the teaching staff and their time as well.

Transportation Pick-Up and Drop-Off – NEWPORT ELEMENTARY ONLY

Students accepted for district transportation will receive “home to school” pick-up and drop-off. There must be an adult present when a child is dropped off. Drivers are instructed not to drop off students without adult acknowledgment (eye-to-eye) when dropping off.

Please note: transportation is limited to Newport Elementary only based on State funding eligibility parameters and current availability.

Questions and Answers

What age can my child begin attending Pre-K?

What is early childhood screening and why is it required?

Early Childhood Screening is a check of a child’s development, vision and hearing, growth, health history and immunizations.

Screening is recommended when a child is three to four years old.
Screening is required prior to enrolling in our four-year-old Prekindergarten programs.
Screening is free and takes approximately 45 minutes. A parent or legal guardian can stay with the child during the screening process.

Note: Early Childhood Screening does not mean your child is enrolled in a Pre-K program.

You can schedule an appointment with a SoWashCo Schools screening by calling 651-425-6175 or emailing srohr@sowashco.org.

Learn More About Early Childhood Screening

Is Pre-K different than Preschool and Early Childhood Family Education?

Yes. Our early learning programs offer engaging, enriching and personalized experiences for all of our earlier learners from birth to age five.

Prekindergarten (Pre-K)

Pre-K is for four-year-olds prior to their year starting kindergarten. Children must be age four on or before Sept. 1. The fee-based program is located in most elementary schools and offers programs five days a week at a variety of times for your child to attend.

Learn More About PRe-k

Preschool

Preschool provides various fee-based options for families including classes with a parent/child day, a child only experience, extended day, three through five-year-old mixed age classes.

Learn More About Preschool

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

Early childhood family education (ECFE) provides families with early school connections and parent resources and tools needed to provide the best possible environment for their child's learning and growth. The fee-based program is available for children from birth to age five.

Learn More About ECFE

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early childhood special education (ECSE) provides programs and services for young children with disabilities from birth to age five. ECSE services are provided throughout the district in a variety of locations and service models.

Learn More About ECSE

Parent Resources

Helpful Links

Drop-In Play Sessions

Drop-In Play sessions provide the opportunity for you and your child(ren) to pop in for some parent/child ECFE fun. Most sessions are weekly and run from September through May based on the ECFE program calendar. Registration is not required and sessions are free. Space is limited to 14 children per session.

LIBERTY RIDGE SITE 2 - 11283 EAGLE VIEW BLVD., WOODBURY, MN

Mondays 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Fridays 9:00-10:15 a.m.
Fridays 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Fridays 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

DISTRICT PROGRAM CENTER - 8400 E. PT. DOUGLAS RD. S., COTTAGE GROVE, MN

Mondays 8:45-10:00 a.m.
Wednesdays 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Wednesdays 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

DROP-IN PLAY AND ECFE CLASSES WILL NOT OCCUR ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

Nov. 23-25; Dec. 23-30; Jan. 2, Jan. 16, Jan. 23-30; Feb. 20; March 6-13; April 7, April 21, May 29

Early Childhood Home Visits, Consultations, and Family Support

ECFE NEWBORN/YOUNG BABY AND INFANT/TODDLER PARENT CONSULTATIONS (FREE)

Connect with an ECFE Parent/Infant Specialist to get all your parent questions answered for your young baby about sleep, feeding/nutrition, infant/child development, parenting challenges, such as tantrums or big behaviors and more! Available in-person, by phone or Zoom.

For more information, scan the QR Code or call/text our ECFE Parent/Infant Specialist at 651-529-0934.

ECFE EARLY CHILDHOOD (AGE 3 TO 8) PARENT CONSULTATIONS (FREE)

ECFE Home Visits and Parent Consultations provide an opportunity for families with young children ages birth to 8 years, to ask parenting questions or share their concerns with a licensed Parent Educator. Home visits and consultations are provided in-person or virtually. Connect with us today for help with:
Supporting children's emotional well-being
Answering developmental questions
Connecting with community resources…and much more!

To request a free ECFE Early Childhood (ages 3-8) Home Visit or Parent Consultation contact Beth Quist, ECFE Outreach Coordinator at bquist@sowashco.org or 651-425-7163.

ECFE Consultation and Support for Licensed Family Child Care Providers

Early Learner Connection - Licensed Child Care (LCC) Home visits and consultations

ECFE provides free family child care home visits and consultations that are one hour in length. During this time you will be able to consult with a licensed early childhood/family specialist with any questions you may have. Subsequent visits will be tailored to provide support for your unique child care environment based on specific needs you have with your child care. Connect with us today for help with:

Designing a responsive environment that promotes social-emotional competence
Routines, schedules and transitions
Challenging behaviors and age-appropriate guidance
Child development and milestones
Community resources and referrals

*CEU's are available.

For more information or to request a consultation, contact our ECFE Outreach Coordinator at bquist@sowashco.org or 651-425-7163.

Courageous Parents - Resilient Kids Program Series

The Courageous Parents - Resilient Kids program series was made thanks to a grant from WellSpring.

Click the on links below to view each recorded program session.

Session One:

Being Brave: Helping Our Children Manage Stress and Anxiety

Session Two:

Brain and Body Connection: Understanding Your Child's Behavior

Session Three:

Race: Seeing the World Through Our Children's Eyes

Session Four:

Strategies for Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Wellbeing

Session Five:

Self Care: Filling Your Cup so You can Fill Your Child’s Cup

Minnesota Help Me Grow

Trusted parenting information, resources and activities to help your children grow, develop and learn from birth through age 5. If you have concerns about your child's development, you can request a free, confidential developmental screening or evaluation through Help Me Grow. Early childhood experts from your local school district will contact you.

http://helpmegrowmn.org/HMG/index.htm

Help Me Connect

Early Learning Blog

Along with the joy of becoming a parent comes a lot of questions about raising a child. It can be hard to find answers and information. Our Early Learning blog can provide the information you seek. Written by one of our own ECFE Licensed Parent Educators, each blog offers insight into child development, parenting strategies, and other important topics that can support parents during their parenting journey. View our extensive blog library of topics as well as our most recent post below:

The Dance of Cooperation

Dec 4 2023

In the gentle hum of a room filled with young children—from the cozy blankets of infancy to the lively classrooms of elementary school—cooperation becomes the thread stitching together the fabric of childhood. It begins with the dance of interaction between a parent and child. My children’s first smiles were the long-awaited beginning of a bond I had dreamed about before they were born. Listening to the gigglers of my toddlers cultivating the ability to share toys in a sunlit playroom, exploring the joy of newfound friendship, with lots of guidance and more than a few tears and tantrums. Witnessing the magic of their preschool play, wide-eyed and eager, collaborating on imaginative stories and dress up-often with the “planning of play” lasting longer than the playtime itself. Then onto elementary school, where friendships bloom through common interest and investment in a best friend that can last into adulthood

Family Traditions

Nov 20 2023

Family Traditions

What were some of your favorite memories growing up? Did you have special traditions that you looked forward to with excitement and anticipation year after year? In navigating parenthood, we often find ourselves craving ways to create lasting connections and meaningful memories with our little ones. It was only once I became a mother did I begin to appreciate the effort and thought that went into my own favorite traditions of making lefsa and flatbread on my grandma’s birthday each year (even when it meant missing school for the day) and having an real fire while making s’mores on the night of the first snowfall (accompanied with the privilege of helping my dad carry in the wood) among countless others. There is an art to establishing family traditions, shaping intentional memories, and how understanding developmental stages and temperament can enrich these experiences. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and let’s look at some way to be intentional and inspired.

Nurturing Young Minds: A Guide to Early Learning Literacy for Parents

Oct 30 2023

Some of my favorite memories both as a child and as a parent center around times of shared reading. Giggling together with surprising characters, going on adventures to faraway places, and learning about the world around us develop into special moments while opening the pages of a book. As parents, we play a crucial role in our children’s development, especially when it comes to their literacy skills. Early learning literacy lays the foundation for a lifelong love of reading, writing, and communication.

Creating School Year Routines

Oct 10 2023

Back to School, changing seasons, trading lemonade for hot cocoa…just the phrases can evoke many emotions. Do you love the crisp in the air and fresh start or are you missing the slower pace of summer?

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