OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Early childhood education plays a vital role in a child’s development. It provides a strong foundation for future academic, social, and emotional growth. Preschool is an important foundational year because, for many children, it is their first exposure to a school setting and can help set the tone for their educational journey.

Our preschool program, known as Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, is a publicly funded program that provides free, high-quality half-day early education, to four-year-old children. Children who turn four years old on or before September 15 are eligible to enroll. Participation in the program is voluntary for families.

The preschool program is offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The half-day program is free for families. Families who would like their child to attend for the full day may do so for $125 per month. Morning only sessions are from 8:20 – 11:20 a.m. and full day sessions are from 8:20 a.m. – 3:20 p.m. Full day preschool is highly recommended.

Checks may be made payable to Guthrie Center Schools or can be paid on in you Infinite Campus Parent Portal.  Please do not include lunch money or other fees with the preschool tuition payment.  Tuition assistance is available through the district.  Contact the elementary office for additional information.

Transportation is available to 4-year-old preschool students IF an older sibling is on the bus or if he/she is going to a registered daycare bus stop with older students.

We are committed to providing young children with a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment that helps prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond.

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a specialized bridge year that gives young children additional time to develop the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to be successful in kindergarten.

TK is designed for children who turn 5 by the state’s kindergarten eligibility cutoff date of September 15. It may be an especially good fit for children with summer or fall birthdays who would benefit from an additional year of growth and maturity before entering a traditional kindergarten classroom.

TK may be a great option for children who:

• Would benefit from an additional year to develop maturity and independence

• Need more time to build social and emotional skills

• Are still developing foundational academic and classroom skills

• May not yet be ready for the structured pace and academic expectations of traditional kindergarten

Every child develops at their own pace, and TK provides an opportunity for children to build confidence and readiness in a supportive learning environment.

Have Questions? If you think your child may benefit from Transitional Kindergarten, we encourage you to reach out to the building principal. They can answer your questions and help you determine whether TK may be the right fit for your child.