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Ridgeway's Preschool Program Information

Ridgeway Community Preschool is child-centered and based upon the belief that play is the best way for children to learn. We incorporate innovative and inclusive teaching methods and strategies where the teacher serves as a facilitator and students take greater ownership of their learning. We utilize the Minnesota standards aligned Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold assessments. Our focus is on teaching by themes, which make it easier for children to make connections and integrate their learning.

For the 2024-25 school year the following programs will be offered:

3 Morning Program - for 3 and 4 year olds (must be 3 by 9/1/24): Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings for $142 per month;
5 Morning Program - for 4 and 5 year olds (must be 3 by 9/1/24) Monday through Friday mornings for $236 per month,
5 Full School Day Program - for 4 and 5 year olds (must be 4 by 9/1/24) Monday thru Friday mornings for $508 per month.

All programs will begin at 7:45 a.m.. The morning programs will end at 11:00 a.m. and the full-day program ends at 2:15 p.m. Limited van transportation for an additional fee is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from and to daycare providers in the Ridgeway-Witoka, Pleasant Valley, Homer and east Winona areas. Early drop off at the school is available at or after 6:30 a.m. for an additional charge. After preschool childcare is available for the full day program until 5:30 p.m. daily at the rate of $2.75 per hour. Space in each program is limited and is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A $15 non refundable one-time registration fee is required in order for a preschool registration to be processed. There are a limited number of $30/month scholarships available on a first-come, first-serve basis for those families who qualify for free or reduced lunch and are not eligible for other preschool scholarships or childcare support. Families using the Summer Kids Club childcare program are required to register for our automated billing program. Information on this process will be shared with families after your regisrtation has been processed.

For more information contact the school office at 507-454-9566 or office@ridgewayschool.org.

Admission Policy:
To be admitted to Ridgeway Community Preschool, a child must be three years old by September 1st 2024 in order to participate in the three or four morning program and 5 years old by September 1st 2024 in order to participate in the five morning and 5 full-day per week programs. Children must be able to use the bathroom by themselves in order to attend Ridgeway Community Preschool. Preschoolers also need to be current on their immunizations or have a notarized exemption on file. Four year old preschoolers are required to have their Early Childhood Screening completed by October 31, 2024.

No child will be refused admission to the school on the basis of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, intellectual ability, measurement of achievement or aptitude, or athletic ability. Children will be enrolled at Ridgeway Community School on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to state law enrollment in Ridgeway Community Preschool does not guarantee enrollment in our Free Public Kindergarten to 5th Grade programs. For more information on our elementary enrollment procedures contact the school office.

Preschool Transportation:
Ridgeway Community School's preschool program currently transports preschoolers to and from area day cares for an additional fee of $2.75 per ride (one way) and are purchased in the form of a $55 "punch card." For more information about this service, including the names of day cares we currently transport from click on the transportation flyer link below. Seats in the preschool transportation van are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis by submitting a transportation form (also below) to the school's office.

Scholarship Programs:

Ridgeway Community School’s Preschool Program is able to offer partial scholarships to families who are not eligible for other preschool scholarship programs such as Child Care Assistance or School Readiness programs. Eligibility for the school scholarship will be based on family’s income status using the National School Lunch Application for Educational Benefits (Free and Reduced Program). Please contact the school’s office, preschool teacher, or visit the school’s website for this application. If approved for the preschool’s scholarship, preschool families will be credited $30 on their bill each month. Unfortunately we are not able to offer a scholarship to cover the transportation fees. The scholarship application process will need to be completed and approved before it can be applied towards your preschool bill. Scholarships are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Calendar:
Ridgeway Community Preschool provides a monthly calendar, which describes the themes of each week, informs you of your child’s special day, special events and no school days. The program follows the K-5 program's academic calendar.
Snack
Preschoolers will receive a healthy snack each day.

Preschool Program Snack Fee

Payable in September 2024

3 Mornings per week - $32 per year
5 Mornings per week - $56 per year

Additional information about the preschool program is available in the program handbook and program description flyers below. Please call the school at 507-454-9566 or toll-free at 866-454-9566 if you have questions.


Program Information	File Type	View File	Download File
2024-25 Preschool Program information	.forbiden	N/A
Immunization Form Click on the link for a copy of the Minnesota Immunization form which must be up-to-date and on file in the school office before your child is allowed to attend preschool.	.pdf
Preschool Scholarship Form Click on the link for a copy of our Preschool Scholarship information and application.	.pdf
Application for Educational Benefits Click on the link for a copy of the Application for Educational Benefits form which needs to be completed and submitted to the office with the Preschool Scholarship Application form in order for your child to be considered for a scholarship.	.pdf