Duncan Lake Preschool

General Questions

Is there a cost to attend preschool?

The DLECC Preschool is a tuition-based program. We charge an enrollment fee of $75 for new students and $25 for returning students. Tuition is due on the first of each month and is based on the length of the class. 

Tuition and Schedule 2023-24

What is the school calendar?

The DLECC Preschool calendar follows the Caledonia Community School district calendar for the majority of the year. Any differences that are specific to preschool, such as the start and end date and half day schedule, will be shared in August with all preschool families.

2023-24 District Calendar

Will my child bring a snack?

All students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day.  Parents provide lunch and snacks dependent on the class schedule.  

Full day:  Lunch and Snack
Extended Day:  Lunch and Snack
Half Day:  Snack 

Are there classroom parties?

Yes. We host classroom holiday parties for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. Parents are invited to attend parties to volunteer to help run games or they can help at home by planning crafts and preparing snacks. 

Does my child have to be potty trained?

Yes, your child must be potty trained to attend Duncan Lake Preschool. We ask that parents provide a change of clothing that is kept in their child’s backpack in case accidents happen when at school.

Will there be an opportunity in the fall for my child to see their classroom?

We anticipate holding small group tours of the building before school begins in the fall. 

Parent Involvement  

How can I be involved in my child’s school?

Parents are invited to participate in various ways, such as volunteering in the classroom or at special events, supplying items for classroom activities or parties, or joining our school PTO.  The PTO meets to discuss ways to give support to the ECC programming and plan special events throughout the year. 

How will I communicate with my child’s teacher?

We value ongoing communication with parents.  Parents have many methods of communicating with teachers,  including Brightwheel messaging, email, telephone, and in person at drop off/pick up.  

Do teachers hold parent/teacher conferences?

Yes.  Parents have an opportunity in November and March to meet  with their child’s teacher to discuss goals and celebrate their child’s achievements.  Teachers complete a student progress report three times per year which is shared with parents.

Curriculum

Which curriculum does Duncan Lake Preschool use?

Our classrooms use Connect4Learning.  This curriculum uses a combination of Social/Emotional, Science, Math,  and Literacy based objectives to prepare students for their experience in kindergarten.

How will I know what my child is learning in the classroom?

Teachers provide a monthly newsletter to keep parents informed of classroom events.  Newsletters include details about themes, activities and special events in the classroom.  Teachers also maintain a virtual classroom via Seesaw in which children and families can participate in activities at home.  

FOOD SAFETY

We are a Peanut and Tree Nut Free school. When choosing a peanut free food item for your child’s school lunch box, it is important to ALWAYS check the label on the package to make sure it is free of peanuts and nuts of all kinds.  

Some manufacturers clearly state if a product has peanut or nuts in it while with others, it is almost hidden.  PLEASE READ THE LABELS, each time your purchase.  Do not purchase items with the allergy and ingredient alert such as:

“May Contain Peanut or Tree Nuts”

“Processed on shared equipment with Peanuts or Tree Nuts”

“Manufactured in a plant with Peanut or Tree Nuts”

“Contains Peanut or Tree Nut Ingredients”

Thank you for taking the time to read the labels and discussing the topic of “safe foods” with your child!  Your diligence is keeping an allergic child safe at school.

2023-2024 Schedule Options & Tuition

First day of Preschool 2023

September TBD

Enrollment Fee

The enrollment fee is $75/new students or $100/families and $25 for returning students. An invoice will be posted in your family's Brightwheel account and the payment will be processed online. We will only collect an enrollment fee if we can offer you a confirmed spot on the roster. If the class you selected is full, you are welcome to join the waitlist at no charge. If an opening becomes available, then we will contact you to collect your enrollment fee to confirm your spot. 

Tuition Payments

9 monthly payments due the 1st of every month, September to May. Please remember to register for autopay by August 15.

Classroom Assignments

We use the Brightwheel app to communicate with our families and as our contactless check in/out for students. Teacher announcements will be shared within Brightwheel in mid August. Please make sure your Brightwheel account has a current email address for your family and be sure to download the app by August 1st. Your child’s teacher will also be sending you communication to welcome you and your child to school. 

Additional event dates during the school year are TBD and will be posted here at a later date. Please refer to the Caledonia Community Schools district calendar for scheduled holidays and breaks. If Caledonia is closed for the day or if they have a half day, Preschool will not be in session.

BRIGHTWHEEL

Classroom teacher assignments are shared in your Brightwheel account.

MONTHLY TUITION PAYMENTS

Please make sure you have signed up for AUTOPAY in Brightwheel by the end of August. The first tuition payment is due on 9/1.

PRESCHOOL PICK UP AND DROP OFF

Please review our Pick up and drop off map for important changes for this school year

CHECKING IN/OUT WITH BRIGHTWHEEL

Please watch this helpful video created by our staff:

Preschool Student Supply List 2022-2023

2020/21 Preschool Handbook

There are certain days built into the preschool calendar that are predetermined days off (professional development, holidays, etc.) and are not made up. 

School closings and delays are made to assure the safety of children.  You must make your own judgment about driving in hazardous weather situations.  If bad weather begins and you wish to pick your child up early, please feel free to do so.  The decision to close because of snow or other emergency is in accordance with the Caledonia Community Schools. 

School closings are communicated on local radio and TV stations. You can sign up for text alerts through Wood TV 8. 

In the event of snow or other emergency, please note the following:

• If Caledonia Community Schools are closed, DLECC will be closed, please note there will be no make up for days we have to close.
• If Caledonia Community Schools are delayed 2 hours, there will be NO a.m. preschool, however, afternoon preschool will run their regular schedule.
• If Caledonia Community Schools are delayed 2 hours, extended day preschool or all day preschool will begin session at 11:00 a.m., with an abbreviated day ending at regular dismissal times.
• If Caledonia Community Schools close early due to snow or other emergency, DLECC will close early. Parents will be contacted.

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a state-funded free preschool program for qualifying four-year-old children. Families qualify based on income and other factors. Please visit the GSRP website to learn more about eligibility & locations. 

Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center Child Find Program