Welcome to Early Learning Center
The Atlantic Community Schools, as part of the State-Wide Voluntary Preschool Program, offers free preschool for children who turn three and four years old on or before September 15.
The preschool is organized into various learning areas where we plan invitations to play. Our desire is that it is a space where the students feel comfortable enough to try new things, test out their ideas, and carry through with whatever their imaginations can conceive.
Free transportation is included for both our 3 and 4 year old programs!
Registration Process
Please complete the online registration below.
3 Year Old Preschool APPLICATION Form (REQUIRED)
**PLEASE SEE A NOTE BELOW REGARDING OUR 3 YEAR OLD PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS
4 Year Old Preschool Registration Form(REQUIRED)
Important information about our preschool programs:
- Utilize Creative Curriculum, which is based on early childhood theories and research. It creates purposeful and productive learning experiences that help children grow in all areas. The goal of the program is for children to become independent, self-confident, curious learners who work well with others.
- Taught by state certified teachers in early childhood and early childhood special education. Each classroom is also staffed with paraeducators who meet the state of Iowa’s criteria for highly qualified early childhood paraeducators.
- Provide an inclusive preschool experience for all students including those with Individualized Education Plans.
- Accredited through the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards.
- Offer both AM and PM sessions to meet student and family needs. Both programs operate four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. AM programs meet from 8:00-11:00, and PM programs meet from 12:00-3:00.
- The preschool program is open on regular school days throughout the year, following the school district calendar.
**IN REGARDS TO OUR 3 YEAR OLD PROGRAM: Filling out this application does NOT guarantee a spot in the ELC 3 year old program. Students will be placed based on a random lottery and notified regardless in March 2023 via email
Contact Information
Montanna Applegate
moapplegate@atlanticiaschools.org
Beth Schwarte
bschwarte@atlanticiaschools.org
Michaela Myers
Early Learning Center
701 Linn Street
Atlantic, Iowa 50022
Phone: 712-243-2312
Fax: 712-243-2208