Preschool

Early learning leads to lifelong learning!

High-quality preschool helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. And what’s better? Four-year-old preschool is FREE for every Iowa child who is four by September 15 thanks to funding from the state.


Registration for the 2023-2024 elementary school-based Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) will begin on Monday, January 9, 2023.

Participation Requirements

Students enrolling in free four-year-old voluntary preschool program must meet two requirements:

How to Register

You may complete the paperwork in advance for convenience, but all registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis at the school when registration begins on January 9.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.


Please note:

  • Your child may not attend free preschool for two years.
  • Your child may not attend free preschool if they are five on or before September 15, 2023.
  • Any preschool slots remaining after the first day of preschool will be available for tuition-paying three- and five-year-olds.

Be advised that at any time the Iowa State Legislature may consider proposals that could reduce or eliminate funding for some preschool programs.

Lynn Glaser
Early Childhood Facilitator
lglaser@dbqschools.org
563/552-5863


Please register in-person at the elementary school of your choice during regular school hours. The following district elementary schools will offer free morning or afternoon preschool for four-year-olds:

Audubon
Bryant
Carver
Eisenhower
Hoover
Irving
Kennedy
Lincoln
Marshall
Prescott
Sageville
Table Mound

A number of community partners also offer preschool through the State-Wide Voluntary Preschool Program. These partner programs follow the same teacher education, curriculum, assessment, and quality standards as district preschool classrooms.

View the complete list of participating preschools.


2023-2024 Preschool Family Handbook (PDF)