Public preschool programs help preschool age children prepare to enter kindergarten.

Description

Programs are designed to support 3- and 4-year-olds so they experience a successful transition to kindergarten.

The programs are offered by public school districts and some charter schools. Preschool program options vary by district.

About This Location

This school district offers preschool programming (School Readiness, School Readiness Plus, and/or Voluntary Prekindergarten). Preschool program options and funding differ in each district. Your local school district can help you figure out what program options and tuition supports are available. Each program has different payment and eligibility information described below.

Features

• Area Served by County
  • Anoka County
  • Hennepin County

• Payment
  • Free / no cost to everyone
  • Private pay
  • Sliding fee scale

Eligibility

School Readiness: Children 3 years to kindergarten enrollment who meet one or more of the following:

• Qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch
• Is an English learner
• Is homeless
• Has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Is identified through health and developmental screenings, or defined as at-risk by the school district

School Readiness Plus (SRP): Minnesota children who are 4 years old by September 1 in the calendar year in which the school year begins and meet one or more of the following risk factors:

• Qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch
• Is an English learner
• Is homeless
• Has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Is identified through health and developmental screenings, or defined as at-risk by the school district
• In foster care

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK): Minnesota children who are 4 years old by September 1 in the calendar year in which the school year begins. Districts may develop criteria giving enrollment priority to students with risk factors.

Application Instructions

Contact your local school district office or school for enrollment information.

Fee

School Readiness: Programs have a sliding fee scale. Fees may be waived for families unable to pay.

School Readiness Plus: Free to eligible children. A child who is 4 years of age as of September 1 and who does not demonstrate any of those risk factors is eligible to participate on a fee-for-service basis.

Voluntary PreKindergarten: All children who meet the age requirement are eligible to participate free of charge. Due to a limited number of seats available, districts may develop criteria giving enrollment priority to students with risk factors.