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:
| 1 | Your child MUST reside in the State of Iowa (preschool does not follow district home-school boundaries, so you can register at the school you wish) |
| 2 | Your child MUST BE four years old by September 15, 2023 |
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.
| 1 | REQUIRED AT REGISTRATION (must be completed at registration) |
| 2023-2024 Preschool Registration Packet (PDF)
Additional languages: |
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| Proof-of-Age (birth certificate preferred; passport or signed immunization records acceptable if needed) | |
| 2 | ADDITIONAL REQUIRED FORMS (must be completed and returned by the first day of school) |
| Medical History Questionnaire (PDF) | |
| Medical Examination Form (PDF) + Immunization Certificate (schedule your student’s physical now and be sure to ask your healthcare provider to include your student’s most recent immunization record; children will not be allowed to attend school without an immunization record on file) | |
| > | INFORMATIONAL ITEMS |
| Dental screening is recommended and will meet the requirement for kindergarten next year. Schedule an appointment with your dental provider and ask for a certificate of dental screening. | |
| Vision screening is recommended and all preschool students in the Dubuque Community Schools are able to participate in the FREE KidSight Lions Club vision screening program. More information will be sent home in the first few weeks of school. | |
| If your child requires medication to be administered at school, the Request for Medication to be Given at School Form is available in your school’s nurses office. |
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.