Preschool
The District 742 Early Childhood Education Program has earned the highest possible “4-Star Parent Aware” rating from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Parent Aware ratings are based on demonstrated use of best practices that prepare children for kindergarten.
District 742 Preschool provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for 3- and 4-year-old children of all ability levels. Through hands-on and age-appropriate learning activities, preschool children build confidence and self-direction, learn to follow directions, manage change and resolve conflicts peacefully.
The Preschool program is organized to support developmentally appropriate activities where play opens up the world of learning for young children.
Classes are offered at multiple locations and are staffed by licensed preschool teachers and paraeducators. Class sizes are kept small to provide individual attention for each child.
How Will My Child Grow?
Children are naturally curious and eager to learn. Preschool offers a positive and playful environment to help nurture the social-emotional, physical and intellectual development of children. Several preschool classrooms utilize a co-teaching model that partners a preschool teacher with an early childhood special education teacher in the classroom, allowing for lower student to staff ratios and making available the expertise of a special education teacher.
"Play is fundamental to preschool learning. In our daily schedule, we blend free-choice play times with guided play-based learning activities aimed at teaching specific skills to children. Our curriculum is designed to provide hands-on and creative experiences, children not only learn but also have the freedom to explore their environment and express creativity."
Social & Emotional Growth
- Develop positive, constructive relationships
- Build self-confidence, self-respect and respect for others
- Learn to cooperate, negotiate, follow directions and problem-solve
- See themselves as part of a diverse community
- Learn self-regulation skills by identifying feelings and using calming strategies. (District 742 preschool uses Conscious Discipline, an innovative framework for social-emotional learning).
Physical Growth
- Develop small and large motor skills
- Develop independence and self-help skills
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Engage in either a gym activity or time outside to run and play. (We acknowledge the significance of physical activity in early childhood development every day).
Intellectual Growth
- English Language Arts: Reading, writing, rhyming, sight vocabulary, sequencing and retelling, alphabet and sounds
- Math: Numbers, counting, graphs, measuring, patterns, estimation, addition, subtraction, shapes, classification, money and telling time
- Social Studies/ Science/ Health: Community helpers, careers, maps and globes, family, diversity, seasons, weather, environment and healthy eating habits
- Fine Arts/Computers: Art, music, dance, physical education, creative drama and computer experience
What to Expect
Calendar
All classes begin in the fall and coincide with the District 742 calendar (September-June).
Early Childhood Special Education
District 742 Preschool offers special education services to children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Our collaborative efforts involve preschool teachers, special education teachers and specialists working together to support all students.
Financial Assistance
Scholarships and financial assistance are available to qualifying families. For more information and to apply, contact District 742 Early Childhood Education at 320-370-8250.
Family Involvement
We encourage parents to participate in conferences, field trips, special events and the site council.
Meals
Families should feed their preschooler a meal before the start of their school day. Preschool students receive a small snack during their class time. At the start of the year, families are asked to contribute two boxes of crackers as part of their requested supplies. If additional snacks are needed, a note will be sent home to inform families.
Nursing Services
Nursing services works with schools and families to promote health education and ensure a safe and healthy school environment. Licensed school nurses provide:
- Medication management
- Development and implementation of health care plans
- First-aid and illness management
Student Assessment
District 742 Preschool utilizes Teaching Strategies Gold to assess children’s development and provide ongoing progress to parents during conferences three times a year.
Supplies
Families are asked to bring the required supplies to their assigned welcome conference in the fall. Preschool utilizes a shared material approach, so there is no need to label each item. A supply list will be included in the summer mailing. The supply list can also be located online.
Toileting
Children attending preschool should be mostly bathroom independent, knowing when they need to use the bathroom, and are having few accidents. *Special circumstances are accommodated.
Transportation
Bus transportation is available within designated boundaries to all preschool locations for a fee. Voluntary Pre-K students and those who qualify for scholarships may receive transportation at no cost. For questions or information about transportation, call Early Childhood Education at 320-370-8250.