Preschool

Preschool classes begin on September 8 and 9, 2025. There are no preschool classes when ISD 199 elementary schools are not in session. A calendar is provided to each family at the start of the school year and will also be posted on the preschool webpage.

The preschool administration office is located at the IGH Early Learning Center, connected to Hilltop Elementary - Door 2. This is the administration and support center for ALL Little Spartans Preschool classes at Hilltop, Pine Bend, Salem Hills, and the Early Learning Center. The Early Learning Program Coordinator works closely with the building Principals to support preschool students and staff. All enrollment, curriculum, transportation, payment, financial aid, etc. is managed through the Early Learning Office.

3 year old classes: Each class has time built in for a snack, and families take turns bringing enough snack for the class to share.

4 year old classes: Breakfast is provided free of charge for all children attending morning and all day preschool classes. Afternoon and all day classes have lunch time with their teachers.

Children may purchase a lunch or bring their lunch from home. We encourage all families to complete an Educational Benefits form.

Children must be able to independently use the toilet (with reminders) to attend preschool. We understand that even potty trained children will occasionally have toileting accidents. In these instances, teachers will help children to change their clothes, encouraging independence as much as possible. Potty training exceptions are made for documented medical conditions.

In all of our classes, we have at least 1 adult for every 10 children. Our classes have a maximum of 20 children, with 1 teacher and 1 paraprofessional in each class.

An invoice will be emailed or mailed to you on the 20th of the month and payment is due on the 10th. Tuition is charged in 9 monthly payments, Sept-May. On August 20, you will receive a bill for September's tuition payment. Late payments (after the 10th) will be charged a $10 late fee. Fees can be paid online monthly or you can set up automatic payments on your account. You can also pay with credit card, cash, or check in the Early Learning Office.

Financial aid is available. Our program relies on fees, but we encourage you to complete a financial aid application if needed. A limited amount of financial aid is available for each class. A financial aid application and proof of income must be turned in with your preschool enrollment forms. Some scholarships require additional paperwork. We will work with you and do our best to serve as many children as possible.

As a 4-Star Parent Aware rated preschool, we can also accept Pathways One scholarships. Let us know if you have already been approved and/or applied for the Pathways One scholarship.

Incoming preschoolers need an early childhood screening. You can schedule your free Early Childhood screening any time after your child turns 3. If your child turns three in July or August, then schedule the screening for September or October. Only one screening is needed. If it was completed at another school district or Head Start, bring a copy of the screening summary.

Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. All screenings are done at the Inver Grove Heights Early Learning Center. Schedule the appointment online at https://ighscreening.as.me/ or call 651-306-7520.

A child cannot start school if their immunization records are not turned in. In accordance with Minnesota State law, all required immunizations must be completed by the first day of school. Parents may get a legal exemption for medical reasons or conscientiously held beliefs. For more information, see the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Low-cost Immunizations

Dakota County Public Health offers various immunizations for adults and children. The vaccines are supplied by federal and state programs and are offered at no cost to persons who are eligible:

• Children and adults who do not have health insurance
• Children on Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, or a Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP)
• Children who are American Indian or Alaskan Native

To make an appointment call 952-891-7999. Clinics are available in West St. Paul and Apple Valley.

For on-going health concerns, ask your doctor for a care plan describing the condition, what to look for, and how to respond. Preschool staff will coordinate with the building health office to review the plan.

If prescription medication is needed, the student must have:

• Medication in the original container (with label and date)
• Written permission from the parent
• Written order from the physician

Medication forms can be obtained from the early learning office or on our website.

Medications at School
Find Student Medications at School information under Important Information

Multiple documents can serve as your child’s proof of age. County offices (where your child was born) can provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate for a fee. The school district will also accept baptismal certificates, I-94 forms, passports, physician certificates, adoption certificates, and affidavits from a parent if you do not have a birth certificate.

If you already provided a birth certificate to ISD 199 during enrollment in preschool 3’s, you do not need to send it again.

3-year-old classes: Bussing is not provided for our 3-year-old classes. Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from preschool.

4-year-old classes: Bus transportation is available for children in the 4-year-old program if there is room. Students must live or have daycare within the school attendance boundaries for the preschool they are attending. Preschoolers on early morning or late afternoon routes ride the same bus as the elementary K-5 students.

To sign your child up for the bus, complete the preschool transportation form*.

Bus Registration for 4-year-old preschool ONLY

Turn in your completed form to the Early Learning Center with your enrollment papers. It must be received before June 30 to guarantee a spot on the bus at the start of the year. You will be notified of your child’s bus schedule the week before school starts and bus tags will be provided at your Family Connection meeting.

*The preschool transportation form is different than sign-up for K-12.

Someone will help your child to the classroom when they are dropped off and to their bus when they are picked up. If your child rides the bus, teachers will help the preschoolers off the bus and to the classroom. After school, they are walked out to their buses. A parent/guardian must be at the bus stop with the child for pick-up and drop-off.

If you are driving or walking your child, the teacher will provide you with pick-up and drop-off instructions at the beginning of the year. To ensure child safety, parent/guardian must stay with the child until one of their preschool teachers comes to get them.

3-year-old classes: Students go outside most days, weather permitting. During the winter months the teacher will let parents know when outdoor gear is needed. If the weather does not allow for outdoor time, large motor activities will be provided either in the classroom or the gym.

4-year-old classes: Students go outside almost every day, weather permitting. If the weather does not allow for outdoor time, large motor activities will be provided either in the classroom or the gym. Always dress for the weather.

School-age Care is a separate district program that provides limited childcare before morning classes or following afternoon classes for 4-year-old preschool students at Hilltop, Pine Bend, or Salem Hills. There is NO childcare during the school day or for 3-year-olds.

School-age care for is a fee-based childcare service available before school from 6:00-7:50 AM and after school from 2:30-6:00 PM. Please note, the fee is separate from preschool and is not covered by preschool scholarships. They do accept County Child-Care Assistance. Registration opens in mid-April. For more information on availability and rates, call 651-306-7501.

Your family can meet the teacher during preschool Family Connection meetings the first week of September. This preschool orientation is a 1:1 visit with each student and family. Look for an email in late August with a link to sign up for your meeting.