• Programs use Creative Curriculum, a research-based early childhood curriculum. Public PK sites also use Early Childhood Bridges Math program to launch success in our K-5 settings that also use Bridges Math.  

• Instruction is aligned to the Iowa Early Learning Standards. 

• Learning experiences support:  

• Language and literacy development 

• Early math skills 

• Social-emotional growth 

• Physical development 

• Problem-solving and critical thinking 

Teachers assess and monitor each child's progress throughout the year using Teaching Strategies GOLD. 

Families receive information about their child's development through conferences and ongoing communication. 

Family Involvement 

Strong family partnerships are an important part of our preschool programs. Each year, families can expect: 

• One home visit 

• Two family-teacher conferences 

• At least one Family Night or family engagement event 

• Ongoing communication regarding their child's strengths, interests, growth, and needs 

Children receive meals and/or snacks that meet program standards and support healthy development. 

Transportation may be available through the Western Dubuque Community School District. 

Important transportation guidelines: 

• Students may ride existing bus routes if space is available. 

• Students must use established bus stops; additional stops cannot be added. 

• Transportation forms must be completed and approved before a child may ride the bus. 

• Transportation fees may apply. 

• Families qualifying for free lunch may receive transportation at no cost, if transportation is available. 

• Families qualifying for reduced-price lunch may receive reduced transportation costs, if transportation is available. 

• The preschool program provides 18 hours per week of tuition-free instruction for eligible 4-year-old students. 

• Tuition may be charged only for programming that exceeds the state-funded preschool hours or days; Thursday/4th day offering.  

Western Dubuque Elementary Preschool Programs are committed to: 

• Providing safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments 

• Employing qualified early childhood educators 

• Following Iowa preschool standards and state requirements 

• Building strong partnerships with families to support student success 

• Four years of age on September 15 of the upcoming school year for preschool

• Five years of age on September 15 of the upcoming school year for Transitional Kindergarten

• Preference given to families residing within the district

• Out-of-district families can complete pre-registration and an Open Enrollment request

• Pre-registration does not guarantee placement

Pre-registration begins January 5th, 2026 at noon and runs until the official registration window opens.

• All pre-registrations and official registrations for preschool are completed online. Our buildings are available for computer or Internet access.

• Date and time of pre-registrations are recorded. Spots are filled based on these time stamps.

• All requested information must be filled out for an application to be considered. Applications with missing or invalid information will not be considered.  Have the following information available:

  • Student Name (First and Last) 

  • Student Birth Date 

  • Student Address (Street and City) 

  • Western Dubuque Community School District School (public institutions) school of choice 

  • Yes/No if you would like to be considered for other WDCSD public schools if registration is full at school of choice. 

  • Yes/No if placed on a waiting list for WDCSD public schools if you would like your information shared with one of our Statewide Voluntary Preschool Partner Sites (Aquin, LaSalle, Seton, Xavier, NICC, Head Start)

  • Your Name 

  • Your Preferred email for communication

  • Your Preferred phone number for communication

• A district or building official will begin contacting families after the pre-registration window to explain next steps and status of the application.

• Official registration begins on February 10, 2025.

Click here or go to https://forms.office.com/r/HmFmJE8sMu to access the pre-registration form. Accessing this form before the pre-registration date and time will result in an error message.

Due to limited spots in Transitional Kindergarten, your child is not guaranteed a spot. If your child does not get into TK, they will be placed in a Kindergarten classroom at their home school. If you are considering enrolling your child in Transitional Kindergarten, we encourage you to reach out to your child's teacher with any further questions.

Register your student for Transitional Kindergarten when the general registration window opens on 7:30 AM on Monday, February 10, 2025. There will be a link for pre-register for TK that will be available on February 10th. Determination for transitional kindergarten placement is made later in the spring, typically around April. This delay allows time for preschool-aged students to make significant academic and social-emotional progress between February and May, which can reduce some of the initial concerns that led to considering TK.

On or after registration day

• Visit the district registration page to register your student for Kindergarten

• Return to this page to complete the Transitional Kindergarten Interest Form

Click here or go to  [https://forms.office.com/r/2Vd88k2yHA] to access the TK interest form. Accessing this form before the pre-registration date and time will result in an error message.