Circle of Friends Preschool

2021-2022 Registration - now open!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION

2021-2022 - rEGISTRATION IS OPEN

View class offerings

At Circle of Friends Preschool, we utilize both indoor and outdoor settings to learn about the world around us in real, meaningful ways.  Whether you choose a School Readiness or Nature School Readiness classroom setting, this educational philosophy is integrated throughout all of our preschool programming.

current 2020-2021 School year

There is still 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.

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.  

There is a question on the application process asking if your family is in need of financial assistance.  Our office will reach out to families who need assistance.

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.  

*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. 

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.

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.

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.  There is a question on the application process asking if your family is in need of financial assistance.  Our office will reach out to families who need assistance.

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. 

Opportunity to Tour - January 28th

We invite you to join our coordinators January 28th for a tour of Circle of Friends Preschool. Learn more about our programs, tour Edgewood School (our main building for Early Childhood programming), and tour a few of the preschool classrooms.