Circle of Friends Preschool

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is an E-STEM District. E-STEM stands for Environmental Education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It’s an integrated approach to teaching and learning. It is exploration, discovery, risk-taking, wondering, and experimenting. It is a hands-on approach to learning, encompassing not only the letters above, but also literacy, art, creativity, music and social-emotional learning.

We utilize both indoor and outdoor settings to learn about the world around us in real, meaningful ways. Whether you choose a nature, nature-lite or more traditional classroom setting, this educational philosophy is integrated throughout all of our preschool programming.

TRADITIONAL PROGRAM
Students in traditional preschool classes spend the majority of each day in a classroom setting. Similar to Nature Based classes, traditional classes also follow the philosophy of E-STEM teaching and learning and will spend time learning outside each day. We offer half-day and full-day options.

      Children in a traditional classroom setting will:

• Develop a positive relationship with the natural world.
• Develop a sense of wonder about the world around them.
• Experience risks and rewards.
• Build relationships with peers and secure adults.
• Develop kindergarten readiness skills, both academic and social emotional.
• Be outdoors for at least 30 minutes at a time, in most weather.

NATURE-BASED PROGRAM
Students in nature-based preschool classes are in an outdoor immersive setting and will be outside every day unless the weather is dangerous. Nature-based classes achieve the same outcomes as a traditional Circle of Friends preschool class, only natural materials are the learning tools with the Great Outdoors for a classroom. Students spend minimal time inside each day and do have a designated indoor classroom should the weather be unsuitable for outdoor learning.  We offer both half-day and Preschool Plus Care nature-based class options. Recommended Gear for Nature Preschool

      Children will:

• Develop a positive relationship with the natural world.
• Learn to appreciate all kinds of weather.
•  Develop a sense of wonder about the world around them.
• Expand their use of all senses collaboratively, including their sense of balance and movement.
• Be outdoors for at least 2 hours at a time in all weather.
• Experience risks and rewards.
• Build relationships with peers and secure adults.
• Develop kindergarten readiness skills, both academic and social emotional.

      Choose Nature if:

• You prefer a more intense environmental focus.
• Your child adores extended outdoor play and exploration (or you would like them to develop this appreciation).
• You can commit to providing appropriate outdoor gear or will ask for help obtaining it.
• You value the benefits that a non-traditional setting offers including flexibility, spontaneity, and the outdoors.
   

NATURE LITE PROGRAM
Nature Lite is a nice combination of both the Traditional and Nature-Based programs. See the above program descriptions along with the following bullets.

• Due to the location at Edgewood School these classes are less nature-immersive than the nature program.
• These classes are in the classroom but also have an extended duration outdoors in all types of weather.

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      Choose a Preschool Plus Care class (formally known as full-day preschool) if:

• Your child has been in a home daycare or center.
• You need the option of before and after care.
• Your child is completely independent in the bathroom for a full-day school setting, manages their outdoor gear and separates well.

       Choose a half day class if:

• This is your child’s first experience away from you.
• Your child is in a lot of activities.
• Your child is still developing secure separation skills.
• Your child is completely independent in the bathroom.

How to Register for Circle of Friends Preschool

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS PRESCHOOL - FAQs

GENERAL

How do I register?  Click here: INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION

When can I register?

• Current 2020-2021 CoF Families:  January 25-31
• 1st Wave of Public Registration:  February 1-7
• After February 7th we will review applications on a regular basis.  Students will either be placed in a class or on a waiting lists for all classes selected on their application. 

How old does my child need to be to start preschool?  Children need to be 3 or 4 years old, and fully independent in the bathroom, by September 1st. 

Does my child need to be independent in the bathroom?  Yes, they need to be fully independent in the bathroom. While we understand accidents happen, we are not a facility licensed to change diapers or pull-ups.  If your child wets their pants, we can guide them to change their own clothing.  If your child has a bowel movement, we will call you to come to school to change them.  View this link for tips.

What if I'm placed on a waiting list? 
If placed on a waiting list, our office will contact you to finalize enrollment as openings occur in your selected class(es).  Students will be placed on a waiting lists for all classes listed on their application. 

Is financial assistance available?  Yes, but there is a limited amount of financial assistance available through the state of MN's Early Learning Scholarships for families who meet the state's criteria.

Can I request to have or not have a certain teacher? We will do our best to honor your request but cannot guarantee it.  Teachers are not assigned to classes until after enrollment is finalized. 

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Preschool Plus Care

• Extended time with a certified teacher.
• This includes extended outdoor exploration time directed by child-led inquiry and discovery.
• Reduced staff-student ratios due to the outdoor model.

• Traditional preschool operates at a more rapid pace, and does not have access to a nature immersive setting for an extended duration, which research shows lowers cortisol levels and supports self-regulation.
• We have offered both the half-day preschool teacher with full day care model & a full-day preschool teacher with care model and it is clear that a full day of “school” is too intense for children at this age.  A half day of school allows preschoolers to experience the rigor of a traditional educational setting along with a more relaxed pace of care for the remaining portions of the day.  The care portion of the day is staffed with DHS Rule 3 qualified caregivers for a high quality experience.

• This aligns with the K-5 Kids Company fee structure.  This way, families are only charged for days they choose to attend on Non-School days, rather than paying a flat rate for all possible days regardless of actual attendance.

Opportunities to Visit 

We are not able to offer building/program tours during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please call or email for additional program and enrollment information.

2021-2021 - Class options Coming soon...

current 2020-2021 School year

Is financial assistance available?  Yes, but there is a limited amount of financial assistance available through the state of MN's Early Learning Scholarships for families who meet the state's criteria.

Indicate your request for financial assistance when prompted during our online preschool registration process.  This Pathway II Application (and required documentation) must be completed and returned to our preschool office at Edgewood School within 48 hours of submitting your preschool application.

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The state of Minnesota has a limited amount of Early Learning Scholarships available through MDE.  The Early Learning Scholarship program awards scholarships up to $7,500 to high-need families who meet eligibility requirements.  A family’s income must be equal to or less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, per the chart below, or be participating in any of the following programs: free and reduced-price lunch, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Food Distribution on Indian Reservations, Head Start, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Supplemental Nutritional Aid Program (SNAP), or Foster Care.

MDE prioritizes scholarship funds to first meet the needs of children of teen parents, children currently in foster care, children in need of child protective services, or those who have experienced homelessness in the last 24 months.

The chart below is based on the poverty guidelines published in the Federal Register on February 1, 2019.  

Family Size	Gross Income	Family Size	Gross Income
2	$31,283.50	6	$63,991.50
3	$39,460.50	7	$72,168.50
4	$47,637.50	8	$80,345.50
5	$55,814.50	9*	$88,522.50

*For family units of more than nine members, add $8,177 for each additional member.

Scholarships are available to children who are 3 or 4 years old on September 1 of the school year the scholarship is used.  MDE estimates that funding will support approximately 11,000 scholarships per year, statewide, representing about 21% of the eligible children in Minnesota. 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Registration fees and first month's tuition are not refundable.

Withdrawals (before the school year begins)
If we are notified of a student withdrawal prior to May 1st, the first month's tuition will not be charged.  After May 1st, refunds will be based on the program's ability to fill the vacancy. If we are able to fill the spot before the first day of preschool, a full refund will be issued for the first month's tuition. If the spot is still empty once school begins, the first month's tuition will be forfeited in order to cover program operating costs.

Withdrawals (during the school year)
A 30-day written notice to the preschool office at Edgewood School is required. Families are responsible to pay full tuition for the month of withdrawal.

lATE pICK-uP POLICY

It is extremely important that you pick up your child at the time stated for your class.  We reserve the right to charge a $15.00 late fee for each five minute increment that a child is not picked up.  We do understand that the curb-side pick up process may be delayed, and reserve the right to waive the late fee for circumstances deemed outside of your control.

2020-2021 calendars and Handbook

• Calendar - Half-Day Preschool
• Calendar - Preschool PLUS Care
• Parent handbook