Preschool Information

Shenandoah Early Childhood - Preschool

Address:  304 W Nishna Road, Shenandoah, IA 51601       Phone:  712-246-1581        Fax:  712-246-3722

The program’s goal is to provide a high quality preschool program meeting each child’s needs, including children with disabilities and those from a diverse background.  The preschool provides a rich learning environment that encourages children’s natural curiosity and supports them to take risks that lead to new skill development. It is a setting where children feel safe, respected, and cared for.  This is an opportunity for all three and four-year-old children to take part in planned, active learning experiences to build their readiness skills.

This program also serves children on individualized education plans (IEP) that are transitioning from Early Access Services into the public school system.

The preschool program has adopted and meets the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards, administered by the Iowa Department of Education.  The Iowa Early Learning Standards are used to guide expectations for the children and instructional practices. The Creative Curriculum, IGDI’s screener and GOLD Assessments are used as tools to align all curriculum, instruction, and assessment.  

Enrollment:

• Children must be three years of age on or before September 15th of the current school year to participate in the 3 year old programming.  

• Children must be four years of age on or before September 15th of the current school year to participate in the 4 year old programming.  

• Interested families requesting to enroll their child in the preschool program may call the preschool office at 712-246-1581.  

Hours:

• 3 year old program:  AM Session, 8:00am-11:00am; PM Session, 11:30am-2:30pm

• 4 year old program:  All day, 8:00am-2:30pm

• The elementary school will provide a yearly academic calendar.  The preschool programs are on the same schedule as the district calendar.  

  • First day of preschool for the 2024-2025 school year is Monday, August 26, 2024.

  • Preschool will participate in early out Wednesdays per district calendar.  

    • 2 hour early dismissal is 12:30pm for the all day program.

    • There is no PM 3 year old preschool on Early Out Wednesdays.

    • 3 year old AM preschool remains the same time on Early Out Wednesdays.

Attendance:

• Regular attendance is mandatory for all Preschool students. Additionally, if your child is on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), attendance ensures she/he receives the services mandated.

• Iowa Code, Chapter 299, covers compulsory attendance for preschool age students.  Students who have excessive attendance concerns will follow the districts attendance policy.

Tuition:

• 3 year old program:  $60.00/month

• 4 year old program:  tuition free

    *Three year old programming may be eligible for tuition assistance.  Please contact the preschool office for more information.

Transportation:

• Transportation is provided to preschool students.  The school district will offer town stops and country stops.