Circle of Friends Preschool

2021-2022 - rEGISTRATION IS OPEN

CLASS FORMAT OPTIONS
Whether you choose a School Readiness or Nature School Readiness classroom setting, the E-STEM educational philosophy is integrated throughout all of our preschool programming. 

• School Readiness:  These preschool class options are located at Edgewood School. Classes do access both the indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Nature School Readiness:  These preschool class options are located at both Edgewood School and Jeffers Pond Elementary. The outdoors is the primary classroom with indoor spaces available as needed. We go outside in rain, snow & sunshine. We are able to assist with providing outdoor clothing as needed.

CHILDCARE OPTIONS
Kids’ Company offers child care to work with your Circle of Friends preschool schedule.  All day school experiences are provided in kindergarten.  Preschool experiences will remain in the half-day format, with the option to add childcare through Kids' Company, our district's childcare program.  For more information, visit the Preschool Childcare tab on Kids' Company's web page.  

PRESCHOOL EXTENSION OPPORTUNITIES
The following fee-based opportunities are available for families who wish to to extend their child's time at school.

• Extension Classes through Community Education  
  Community Education extension classes before or after preschool might include topics such as Spanish, Music, Art, etc.
• Lunch Bunch Option/Preschool Extension for Half Day Preschool at Edgewood
  Lunch bunch is an optional, fee based class offered to half day Circle of Friends preschool students who attend morning or afternoon classes at Edgewood School. During the preschool extension, children will gather to eat a nut-free lunch (sent from home) with early childhood staff. After lunch, they engage in enrichment activities designed to reinforce skills and knowledge they are learning in preschool.

current 2020-2021 School year

View current year class openings

There is some space available for the remainder of this school year.  Registration is open online, but be sure to select the 2020-2021 class options online.  We offer a Distance Learning Academy for Preschoolers and have also opened new classes that began in February 2021.

Submitting an application is the first step in the registration process. Early childhood coordinators review all submitted applications. Student placement will be determined based on completed enrollment information, family preferences as well as individual and group characteristics, such as previous preschool experiences or birth dates (ex. classes geared toward older 4/5 year olds or younger 3 year olds). While applications are begin reviewed, your application status will remain "pending".

2021-2022 Registration - now open!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION

Tours with Erin Metoxen, Early Learning Coordinator, can be scheduled weekdays:

Schedule a Tour

If your family is in need of a scholarship to help with preschool tuition, a Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship application must be completed and submitted directly to the Families First of Minnesota office in Rochester Minnesota.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Families First of Minnesota communicates directly with families, they do not provide application status or scholarship award information directly to Circle of Friends Preschool.  Be sure to keep our office updated on the progress of your application and the award status.

How do I apply for an Early Learning Scholarship?

To apply for a Pathway I – Early Learning Scholarship, the legal guardian of the child must follow these steps:

1. Print and complete the application.  Please be sure that all required areas have been completed and the application has been signed in ink.  Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
2. Include required proof of income either Option 1 or Option 2, listed on the application.  The application will be returned if appropriate documents are not provided.
3. Submit your original application to the Families First office in-person or by mail to:  Families First of Minnesota |  Early Learning Scholarships  |  126 Woodlake Drive SE  |  Rochester, MN 55904
   (Faxed or emailed applications will not be considered for a scholarship)

If you have questions about this application or scholarship program, please contact Families First of Minnesota directly: 1-888-450-2773 (Carver, Dakota and Scott County residents). 
List of Area Administrators and eligibility criteria

Fiscal Year 2021 Early Learning Scholarships

The Early Learning Scholarship Program awards scholarships of up to $7,500 to high-need families meeting eligibility requirements.  Starting on July 1, 2020, children in a priority status will be eligible for a higher cap.

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.

Scholarships are prioritized to first meet the needs of children of teen parents, currently in foster care, in need of child protective services, or 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. 

*For family units of more than nine members, add $8,288 for each additional member.

Scholarships are available to children who are age 3 or 4 years old on September 1 of the school year the scholarship is used, or age 5 if not yet aged out of eligibility.  Families interested in applying should contact their area or tribal administrator listed or call 1-888-291- 9811. 

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS PRESCHOOL - FAQs

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 do 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, guardians will be called and asked to come to school to change them.  View this link for tips.

CHILD CARE: 
Kids' Company, the school district's child care program, will offer care to preschool families through a separate registration process.  Once your child's enrollment has been finalized through Circle of Friends Preschool, please contact Kids' Company to register for child care.  View the Kids' Company web page for program and contact information.  Kids' Co. School Year Flyer

When will I be notified of class placement for the 2021-2022 school year?
Families will be notified of their child's placement status via email at the end of March.  Kids' Company will reach out in Early April to families who expressed interest in child care during the preschool application process.  

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 for families who meet criteria.  View the Financial Assistance tab above for details on how to apply for a scholarship.

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

2020-2021 calendars and Handbook

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

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.

Kids' Company, the school district's child care program, will offer care to preschool families through a separate registration process.  Once your child's enrollment into Circle of Friends Preschool is finalized, please visit the Kids' Company web page for child care registration and office contact information. 

• Kids' Co. School Year Flyer 
• Kids' Company's Summer Flyer