Preschool registration will open on March 4, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. Willmar Public Schools Preschool Willmar Public Schools Preschool serves children ages 3–5 and provides a high-quality, inclusion-based program intentionally designed to prepare every child for Kindergarten success. All 3-year-olds must be 3 years old on or before September 1, 2026. All 4-year-olds must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. Our preschool program follows the district calendar and is led by highly qualified, Minnesota-licensed teachers and trained paraprofessionals. We use state-approved curriculum and standards to guide instruction and ensure children are building the foundational skills needed for lifelong learning. Our Mission & Approach At Willmar Public Schools Preschool, we believe early learning lays the foundation for future success. We are committed to: Building strong partnerships with families and the community Valuing diversity and inclusion in every classroom Creating safe, welcoming environments where all children belong Providing hands-on, play-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity Through developmentally appropriate instruction, intentional teaching practices, and individualized support, we nurture the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. We believe every child deserves a strong start. Our goal is for each preschooler to enter Kindergarten confident, capable, curious, and fully prepared to thrive. Please note that completing registration does not guarantee placement. A $25 non-refundable registration fee is required at the time of registration. If you are unable to pay this fee, you may register in person at Jefferson Learning Center, and the fee will be waived. If your child is currently receiving services through an IEP with the district, you do not need to complete the registration process. Please contact us if you have any questions, we look forward to welcoming your family!

Cardinal Kids Preschool program will provide students the exposure to developmentally appropriate practices that are proven to better prepare children for Kindergarten. Program goals are for students to: *Develop pre-reading and pre-math readiness skills *Develop listening skills and self-help skills *Improve social skills * Improve fine and gross motor skills * Gain self confidence

Our mission is to provide a safe, caring, and fun environment for children that meets social, physical, and emotional needs through a variety of experiences and activities. We will encourage children to make positive choices while promoting self-awareness, fostering creativity, and providing leadership opportunities. We offer homework help, crafts, activities, organized physical activities, outside time, social opportunities, computer lab, science experiments, cooking projects, and so much more! Once a month, we collaborate with 4-H/University of Minnesota Extension to offer a fun alternative to our regular programming. We are open holiday breaks, during late starts and early releases, and on days when school is cancelled. All non-school days must be registered for separately. Refunds will not be given for pre-registered non school days. Your child will need to bring a home lunch. Morning and afternoon snack is provided. School Year Pricing (Price based on number of days) 1 day/week 2 days/week 3 days/week 4 days/week 5 days/week Morning $8.25 $16.50 $24.75 $33.00 $38.50 Afternoon $10.75 $21.50 $32.25 $43.00 $51.00 Non School Day $40.50 per day Drop in rate: $10.00 before school, $15.00 after school Summer Pricing (Price based on number of days) 1 day/week 2 days/week 3 days/week 4 days/week 5 days/week Full Day Rate—$40.50/day Drop in rate: $45.00/day $40.50 $81.00 $121.50 $162.00 $202.50 Summer School Rate—$25/day $25.00 $50.00 $75.00 $100.00 **A membership fee of $25.00 needs to be submitted with your registration form to guarantee a spot in Cardinal Place. Cardinal Place will submit vouchers to Kandiyohi County if you qualify for assistance. County co-payments are due bi-weekly on Thursday of the current county billing period. You will be considered self pay until we receive your contract. Family Handbook

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) recognizes that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. ECFE offers parents hands-on learning experiences that will nourish a lifetime of teachable moments. All ECFE classes are taught by licensed early childhood teachers and parent educators to provide the quality education parents are looking for. Together, parents and children, newborn to kindergarten age, participate in activities and experiences that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language skills.

The goal of Kids Together is to provide children with a fun and enriching preschool program that will enable them to enter school with the necessary skills, behavior, family stability and support to progress and flourish. Kids Together curriculum supports a child's individual developmental stage of learning. We integrate opportunity for social, emotional, physical and intellectual development and enhancement with 2, 3, or 4 days per week options. Program runs September to May. Information and applications for Kids Together are available in the spring of each year. Scholarships are available for qualifying families.

A FREE class that meets weekly on Tuesday throughout the year at Jefferson Learning Center from 11:30-12:30. No registration is necessary.