DeKalb Central Early Learning Preschool

Introduction

Welcome to DeKalb Central Early Learning Preschool!  We are proud to offer preschool for children who are 4 years of age by August 1st.  We are a community-based preschool with locations at all 4 elementary schools in the DeKalb County Central United School District.

 

Eligibility

Our preschool is a full-time program open to students who are 4 years of age by August 1st and fully potty-trained prior to entrance into preschool.  Being fully potty-trained includes, but is not limited to, students being able to take care of all bathroom needs without a pull-up or assistance from staff members.  We understand that accidents occur and are available to assist during these rare occasions.  If after entrance, bathroom issues become a consistent concern, this could result in dismissal from the program.

 

Program Location 

Our program is housed in classrooms inside Country Meadow Elementary, James R. Watson Elementary, McKenney-Harrison Elementary, and Waterloo Elementary.  Each preschool classroom is led by a licensed teacher and a paraprofessional assistant.  We follow the state regulations of 12:1 child-to-adult ratio, with the maximum class size being 24 students.

 

Registration and Waitlists

To enroll your child, please complete an enrollment form.

Once approval is determined, you will be notified of the next steps in the registration process.

 

Tuition

Tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $14.00 per day for 180 student days of school.  Tuition includes the cost of transportation (if you live in the school district and your address is not in the Self-Transportation Zone), daily snack, lunch, and all school supplies.  

 

All tuition must be paid online using PowerSchool Parent Viewer with one of the following options:

• Pay in Full 
• Weekly Payment Plan
• Bi-Weekly Payment Plan
• Monthly Payment Plan

 

All accounts must be kept current.  If tuition payments become more than 2 weeks delinquent, your child may be dismissed from the program.

 

Tuition assistance options are available through On My Way PreK vouchers and our district financial assistance applications.  Contact the school office for more information.
 

Calendar and Hours of Operation

The DeKalb Central Early Learning Preschool follows DeKalb Central’s school calendar.  Hours are as follows:

 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00-2:30

Wednesday: 10:00-2:30

 

Weather Delays and Closings

Two-Hour Delays

• In the event of a 2-hour delay, preschool will begin at 11:00 a.m. and dismiss at 2:30 p.m., regardless of the day of the week.

 

School Closure/Virtual Learning Day

• When DeKalb Central closes for in-person learning due to weather or emergency conditions, preschool will also be closed.  There is no virtual learning for preschool.

 

Curriculum Description

We believe in providing developmentally appropriate experiences to foster social, emotional, and academic success for all students.  We also believe that children learn best through hands-on exploration and discovery.  We use the HighScope Preschool Curriculum to provide meaningful learning experiences to help children develop essential skills in areas such as math and literacy.

 

Meals

A snack and lunch are provided daily and included in the price of tuition for all students.  

 

Immunizations

Proof of immunizations for all preschool students must be provided during registration.

 

Discipline Philosophy

The purpose of discipline in our program is to positively guide early learners in developing socially appropriate ways to express their needs and emotions.  When disruptive behaviors arise, students will be redirected toward acceptable behaviors or activities.  Hitting, kicking, spitting, hostile verbal behavior, and other behaviors that jeopardize the safety of others will not be permitted. If misbehavior persists, a parent conference will be scheduled to develop a plan for improvement.  In some cases, measures such as a shortened school day, an alternate schedule, or temporary suspension may be necessary.  If disruptive behaviors continue despite these efforts, the student may be withdrawn from the preschool program.  

 

Parent Communication and Involvement

Preschool staff members strive to maintain close communication with parents through a variety of avenues, including phone calls, electronic communication, and conferences.  

 

Parent Square is the communication tool used for PreK-12th grade at all DeKalb Central Schools.  At the beginning of the school year, families will receive information on how to set up their Parent Square account.  Your child’s teacher will be primarily communicating classroom information through Parent Square.  It is important to consistently check this app for updates and information.

 

 Student must be 4 years old by August 1, 2026

STEP 1: Enter your address to know your elementary school of preference for the first step.

School Locator

STEP 2: Complete the enrollment form.

NEW Preschool Enrollment Form

STEP 3: Once approved, follow the instructions in the approved enrollment email.

This applies to the following students: 

• Students wanting to transfer into the DeKalb Central School District or
• DeKalb Central, Elementary/PreK students wanting an intra-district transfer to attend a different elementary.

This is a yearly requirement for all transfer students. Prior accepted transfer requests will need to be renewed at the beginning of each school year. 

2026-2027 Transfer Requests

Transportation Requests for 2025-2026

Transportation Requests for 2026-2027

Michelle Wagner

Preschool Director, Director of K-5 Curriculum

DeKalb County Central United Schools

miwagner@dekalbcentral.net

260-920-1011 Ext. 1070