Welcome to the Iowa City Moms Blog Preschool Guide 2018! Searching for the right place for your child to learn and grow can be overwhelming, so we are here to help. There are an abundance of preschools, child care centers, and in-home programs to choose from in our area, but we hope this guide will provide you with the information you need to find the best fit for your family.
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IOWA CITY
Ages:
Primary program: ages 3-6
Elementary program: ages 6-12
Hours of Operation:
Half-Day Primary and Pre-Primary Program (3-6 years of age) 8:30 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
Full-Day Primary and Pre-Primary Program 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Before Program 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. After-school Program 3:15 – 6:00 p.m.
Enrollment Info:
Children entering the Primary program must be fully toilet trained. Discounts are available for multiple children from one family. Please ask for details. Class ratios are 10:1 for the Primary program and 6:1 for the Pre-Primary program.
The Montessori School of Iowa City’s mission is to provide authentic Montessori education that serves the child’s intrinsic motivation to learn and is inclusive, sustainable, and holistic. The Montessori School of Iowa City was founded in 1962 by a group of parents seeking a Montessori-based educational program for their children. The Montessori method of education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician. Fundamental to all of Dr. Montessori’s ideas is a deep respect for a child’s ability to learn. This innate potential to learn is dependent upon a loving environment that encourages the active pursuit of knowledge.
Classroom Lead teachers are certified by the American Montessori Society. Each classroom has a Lead teacher and an Assistant teacher. All staff members are required to pass background checks and are trained in CPR and First Aid as required by DHS. We value excellence in teaching the whole child customized to each student’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs and abilities. In addition to an authentic Montessori prepared environment in each classroom, we also offer specialized instruction in Spanish and Music.
MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S GARDEN AND NURSERY
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
Enrollment Info:
The Montessori Children’s Garden is a Montessori preschool offering full and half day options for children ages 3-6. We offer activities in the areas of math, language, practical life, sensorial, science, geography, art, and weekly music and Spanish classes. Classes are led by fully certified and experienced Montessori teachers.
The Montessori Children’s Nursery is a school for infants and toddlers guided by the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. Each child is encouraged to explore in a beautiful and orderly environment with materials carefully chosen for their educational purpose and sensory qualities. These values occur within a safe and supportive environment organized by experienced, Montessori trained teachers.
WILLOWWIND MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
Part-time Preschool M-F 8:30 -11:30 a.m.
Before School Program M-F 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
After School Program M-F 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Enrollment Info:
The goal of Willowwind’s Montessori program is to teach the child as a whole, equally guiding the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of each child. Through the prepared environment, calmness of the teacher, and attention to grace and courtesy, we strive to offer an educational experience based upon the teachings of Maria Montessori. The core Montessori curricular areas are Practical Life, Sensorial Development, Science, Language, Mathematics, Arts and Culture, and Grace and Courtesy.
CHRIST THE KING CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Enrollment Info:
STEPPING STONES PRESCHOOL
Ages:
• 2 DAY (Tuesday/Thursday) program for 3-4 year olds
• 3 DAY (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) program for 4-5 year olds/pre-kindergarten
• 5 DAY program for pre-kindergarten
Hours of Operation:
Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Enrollment Info:
At Stepping Stones Preschool students develop the skills they need for Kindergarten while having fun learning! Our mission is to provide a high-quality education for 3-5 year olds that encourages kindergarten readiness and provides opportunities for parent involvement at home and school. This early childhood education program is designed to nurture the development of the whole child. Stepping Stones Preschool is a non-profit corporation, licensed by the state of Iowa and affiliated with the Iowa City Community School District and the State Wide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP). Tuition for qualifying 4-year-olds is supplemented by SWVPP and is offered at a discounted rate.
PARKVIEW CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
Mon/Wed/Fri Pre-K: 9:00-12:00
Mon-Fri: 9:00-12:00
MWF: Extended Day Learning Program 12:00-1:00 (for an extra fee)
Enrollment Info:
A Christian preschool is a very effective agency for teaching Christian love through example and experience. It provides time for quality education and training in a warm and friendly atmosphere where preschool children can learn to play creatively with one another. Each child develops skills and self-reliance at his/her own rate of progress.
Parkview Christian Preschool is a play based program. Preschool children are guided to discover the world around them and learn through hands-on experiences. They are encouraged to follow directions, show consideration, and develop skills at their own rate in a developmentally appropriate way. Through play, each child will develop physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally. Students are encouraged to solve problems, use their skills, and discover their place in the world as they begin to understand the role of others.
LA MONTESSORI NURTURY DAY SCHOOL
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
Enrollment Info:
La Montessori Nurtury is excited to welcome your child to our beautiful new space, featuring a peaceful, no-clutter environment; experienced teachers; child-led learning; unique enrichment activities; and an incredible outdoor area for learning and play.
LMN offers an authentic Montessori experience that is also fresh and convenient for today’s busy families in an ever-changing world. The timeless Montessori method encourages the natural inclination of children to be independent and to learn. By allowing children to freely explore their carefully-prepared environment, teachers nurture their natural curiosities in each curricular area, while also encouraging meaningful participation in the life of their family, community, and school. At LMN, teachers create individualized learning plans for each student in the curricular areas of practical life, geography and cultural studies, sensorial, math, science, language, music, and art. There is emphasis on cultivating grace and courtesy, fostering a sense of community in the classroom, and preparing students for life beyond its walls.
In the Montessori philosophy, the classroom is viewed as a microcosm of society—that is, a little community itself—so LMN strives to bring the modern world in. Foreign language classes taught by a native Spanish teacher are part of our cultural curriculum component. Fun activities are planned to teach about age-appropriate current events, and families are encouraged to share about their cultural traditions and travel experiences.
To provide convenient extracurricular opportunities, on-site enrichment classes are offered for children ages 2-6 years old including soccer, gymnastics, cooking class, yoga, and dance. Even the schedule is designed to be convenient for busy families. LMN Day School offers fulltime and part-time program options (Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday) for children ages 6 weeks-6 years. All options are for an unlimited amount of hours every day of the week or on the specified part-time days.
A Pre-K Enrichment program is included for 4-5 year olds in our preschool classes. This is a small group that meets three times weekly to focus on kindergarten readiness. The focus is on challenging children in the areas of language, science, and mathematics. Monthly plans are provided for the Pre-K parents outlining concepts and methods used.
Preschool teachers are Montessori certified and hold a high standard of qualifications including bachelors’ and masters’ degrees in early childhood education.
OUR REDEEMER PRESCHOOL
Ages:
Must be potty trained
Hours of Operation:
Extended hours from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Enrollment Info:
2 day session – Tuesday/Thursday
5 day session – Monday-Friday
To ensure your child’s position, please mail your completed Enrollment Form along with the $50 non-refundable registration fee to Our Redeemer Preschool. Upon receipt of the Enrollment Form and fee, the enrollment packet will be sent to you containing all additional paperwork to be completed.
Our Redeemer Preschool has been fulfilling the educational and spiritual needs of children in the Iowa City area since 1981. Licensed by the State of Iowa, Our Redeemer Preschool is a non-profit organization administered by a Board of Directors who have a passion for children. Our Redeemer Preschool desires to nurture our children with Christ as the center of their lives. Our philosophy is to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere that allows children to observe, make choices, be active, explore, and experiment.
Our Mission
* To introduce and reinforce the basic Christian truths about God—who made and cares for us, and Jesus—who always loves and forgives us.
* To encourage each child to grow physically, academically, socially, and spiritually.
* To give ample opportunities for independent, self-initiated activities, as well as opportunities for peer interaction and cooperation.
* To promote learning through play—One in Christ Curriculum is used. Teachers engage students where they are developmentally and help them grow.
PREUCIL PRESCHOOL
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
Classes: We offer 2-day (T/Th), 3-day (M/W/F), and 5-day (M-F) options.
We hold morning (9:00 – 1:00), afternoon (12:30 3:30), and full day (9:00 – -3:30). We have an early drop-off option.
Enrollment Info:
We are a play-based fine arts preschool, inspired by the Reggio approach and the Suzuki Method. We focus on creativity, imagination and exploration. Our goal is to help each child grow and learn in all areas of human experience as it fosters cooperation, caring, confidence, action, intellect, knowledge, beauty, and inherent motivation.
The Reggio Emilia schools were developed in Italy post WWII by parents and educator Loris Malaguzzi. The schools have become world renown for their innovative methods and were named by Newsweek as one of the ten best schools in the world. Preucil embraces this approach in our arts-rich and engaging environment.
Children learn best through play and hands-on activities in which they are active participants. We approach learning in a spontaneous, playful manner. Project based learning and emergent curriculum are interwoven to create a curriculum that values children’s ideas and promotes in-depth investigation of those ideas. Music and art are offered daily with trained teachers. In music, children work on basic musical skills and most importantly, experience the joy of music. Our art studio is available daily for children to explore—it is a haven for their creative risks and whimsy. Children explore the world and its natural phenomena in our spacious playground. Sand, mud, water, grass, logs and stones are just a few of the natural materials that are accessible. Developing friendships and the important social skills of negotiation and compassion happens as we learn and play together.
Class sizes number between 16 and 19. Each class has a lead teacher and one or two aides, an available full-time art teacher and a daily music class taught by a music teacher. Preucil Preschool has been celebrating children’s interests, ideas, and curiosities since 1976.
Other Reader-Recommended Preschools
Iowa City
Christ the King Christian Preschool
Discovery Cottage Preschool
Good Shepherd Preschool
Kinderfarm
Kirkwood School for Children
La Petite Academy
Lion Heart Early Learning Center
Mary Jo Small Child Care at Brookland Woods
Our Redeemer Preschool
Parkview Preschool
Preucil School of Music
Regina Early Childhood Center
Stepping Stones Preschool
Sunshine Daycare & Preschool
Treebrook Preschool
University Preschool
Willowwind School
Coralville
Creation Kids Preschool (Coralville Location)
Grace Garden Preschool and BASP
Handicare Inc. Daycare Center
Helping Hands Playschool
Love-A-Lot Early Childhood Center
Montessori School
Nolte Performing Arts Preschool
Prince of Peace Christian Preschool
Simple Abundance
North Liberty
Creation Kids Preschool (North Liberty location)
Heritage Christian School
Montessori Children’s Garden
North Liberty Community Preschool
Purple Bloom Preschool
Tiffin
Cosgrove
Solon
Lakeview Preschool
Play & Learn Preschool
Swisher
West Branch
West Branch Community Early Learning Center
Multiple Locations
Head Start through HACAP