For Parents

Preschool Supply Wishlists will be included in the teacher welcome letters!

Additional event dates during the school year are TBD and will be posted here at a later date. Please refer to the 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.

Caledonia Community Schools district calendar
2026–2027 Duncan Lake Early Childhood Program Calendar

Classroom Assignments

We use PowerSchool to communicate with our families and as our contactless check in/out for students. Teacher announcements will be shared within PowerSchool in mid-August. Please make sure your PowerSchool 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. 

Explore the Community page on our website to find a variety of opportunities and resources available for Caledonia families. Whether your child enjoys sports, STEM activities, or the arts, our community offers quality programs to enhance their interests and growth. Check out the wide range of enriching experiences available.

Community Based Opportunities
Community Events

EduTrak Parent Resources

EduTrak Connect is accessed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal and allows families to manage student fees, tuition payments, and other school-related payments.

Getting Started with EduTrak

New to EduTrak? Follow these steps to set up your account:

1. Log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal using your PowerSchool username and password.
2. Select EduTrak Connect from the menu.
3. Select Setup Account when prompted.
4. Review and accept the EduTrak Terms of Service.
5. Enter your parent/guardian information.
6. Add a funding source to use for payments.

Once your account is set up, return to PowerSchool and select EduTrak Connect whenever you need to access it.

How do I pay student fees?

After opening EduTrak Connect:

1. Select Other Fees from the menu at the top of the page.
2. Review any fees already assigned to your student.
3. Select View Additional Fees to see optional fees available for your student.
4. Select Assign next to an optional fee to add it to your student and cart.
5. Open the Cart in the upper-right corner.
6. Review your items and select Checkout.
7. Select your funding source and choose Pay Now.
   Does a fee require a form?
   Some fees may require you to complete a form before payment. Select Sign Form, complete the required information, and submit the form. You will then be able to add the fee to your cart.

How do I sign a tuition contract?

After opening EduTrak Connect:

1. Select Tuition from the menu at the top of the page.
2. Find your student and the appropriate tuition contract.
3. Select Sign Contract.
4. Review and complete any required forms.
5. Select your available payment plan.
6. Set up Auto Pay, if applicable.
7. Add or select your funding source.
8. Complete the contract-signing process.

How do I make a tuition payment?

Once your tuition contract is signed, select Make a Payment from your contract. You can also manage your Auto Pay settings and view your invoice from this screen.

Add your payment to the cart and select Checkout to complete the transaction. A receipt will be sent to your email after payment.

Where can I find my receipts?

After completing a payment, EduTrak will send a receipt to your email. You can also view previous orders by selecting Account > Orders in EduTrak.

Need More Help?

For additional step-by-step instructions and screenshots, view the full EduTrak Parent Guides below.

• EduTrak Parent Guide: Account Setup, Tuition Contracts & Payments
• EduTrak Parent Guide: Account Setup & Paying Student Fees

These guides provide detailed instructions and screenshots to help you navigate EduTrak Connect through PowerSchool.

Emergency & Weather Notifications

CCS uses SchoolMessenger (K–12) and Brightwheel (PreK) to send critical notifications about weather-related updates, building emergencies, and urgent district-wide announcements. At a minimum, alerts are shared through our Emergency Alert System and the district/building homepages at www.calschools.org. For full details, visit our Emergency & Weather Notifications page.

Please avoid calling the Transportation Office or the Administration Building.  Use the methods outlined on our Emergency & Weather Notifications page for the most up-to-date information.

Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center Information

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 ensure 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 emergencies is in accordance with Caledonia Community Schools. 

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 its 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 emergencies, DLECC will close early. Parents will be contacted.

Student Handbooks

The CCS District Student Handbook provides district-wide information, policies, procedures, and expectations for all students and families. Each school also publishes a supplemental building handbook with information specific to that school, including building procedures, expectations, and programs.

Together, the District Student Handbook and your school’s building handbook serve as the official guide for students and families.

Annual Handbook Acknowledgement
Parents/guardians are required to review both the District Student Handbook and their student’s building handbook each school year. As part of the annual PowerSchool registration process, parents/guardians must acknowledge that they have read and understand the information provided in the handbooks.

District Student Handbook

Preschool Handbook

Health Appraisal

Updated Health Appraisals and Immunization records OR a current waiver from the Health Department are required by state licensing to attend our program. We must have the completed forms and records before your child attends school. 

Getting Ready for Preschool

Meet Your Teacher

Before the school year begins, families will have an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher and help their child become familiar with their new school experience.

Free Full-Day PreK
As part of Free Full-Day PreK, your child’s teachers will schedule a home visit with your family. This relaxed, approximately 45-minute visit gives your child a chance to meet their teachers in a familiar setting and allows teachers to learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, routines, and needs. Families who prefer to meet outside of their home may discuss an alternate location with their teacher.

Tuition-Based Preschool
Tuition-Based Preschool families will have an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher and visit the classroom during Open House before the first day of school. Open House dates and details will be shared with families before the school year begins.

Both opportunities are designed to help children and families feel comfortable, ask questions, and begin building a positive relationship with their teachers.

PowerSchool Parent Portal

DLECC families use PowerSchool to access important student information and manage their child’s account. We know PowerSchool may be new to many of our preschool families, so we’ve made it easy to find the help you need.

PowerSchool Parent Portal Login
PowerSchool District Code: GHDL

Visit our PowerSchool Support page for step-by-step guides and helpful resources for setting up and using your account.

School Health Program

Caledonia Community Schools' Registered Nurses support the health and safety of students throughout the school day.

For detailed information about medication administration, self-carry medications and health care at school, visit our School Health Program page. You'll also find resources for managing health conditions such as severe allergies, asthma, seizures, diabetes and G-Tube care.

 Visit the School Health Program

Transportation

Transportation options vary by preschool program.

Free Full-Day PreK: Transportation is available for students attending Free PreK at a CCS elementary school. Free PreK classrooms located at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC) are family drop-off and pick-up programs, and transportation is not provided.

Tuition-Based Preschool & Little Scots: Transportation is not provided. Families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center.

For transportation questions, please contact CCS Transportation at 616-891-0224.

Additional PreK Transportation Information

Monthly Tuition Payments

Families enrolled in Tuition-Based Preschool are required to set up automatic monthly tuition payments through their child's PowerSchool account.

Tuition payments are posted on the first of each month, September through May.

Payment options:

• Debit/credit card autopay includes a 2.95% processing fee.
• ACH autopay is available at no additional charge.

YMCA Wrap Care

The YMCA offers optional before and after school care for both Free Full-Day PreK and Tuition-Based Preschool families who need care beyond their child’s regular school day.

Wrap care is available Monday through Thursday, with full-day care available on Fridays at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC).

YMCA Wrap Care is a separate program from CCS preschool programs and requires separate registration. Availability may vary by location.

Learn more and register for YMCA Wrap Care

Free PreK – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Caledonia Community Schools offers Free Full-Day PreK for eligible four year olds at each CCS elementary school, with additional classrooms at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC) as needed.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions families have about CCS Free PreK.

General Questions

Where is Free PreK offered?

Free PreK is offered at each CCS elementary school. Additional classrooms may be located at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC) as needed based on enrollment.

What is the Free PreK schedule and calendar?

Free PreK operates on a full-day schedule and follows the CCS school calendar, with some PreK-specific dates.

Families can view the complete PreK calendar below:

2026–2027 Free Full-Day PreK Calendar

Who teaches Free PreK?

All Free PreK classrooms are staffed by Caledonia Community Schools employees. Teachers and support staff meet State of Michigan licensing and qualification requirements for early childhood education.

How many students are in each Free PreK classroom?

Each classroom is staffed with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher. Class size is determined by licensing and program requirements, with CCS classrooms serving no more than 20 students per class.

Is transportation provided for Free PreK?

Transportation is available for Free PreK students attending a classroom located at a CCS elementary school.

Free PreK classrooms located at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC) are family drop-off and pick-up programs, and transportation is not provided.

Are breakfast and lunch provided?

Yes. Free PreK students have access to school breakfast and lunch each school day.

Enrollment

How do I begin the Free PreK enrollment process?

Families interested in Free PreK should complete the CCS PreK Form.

After completing the form:

• Watch for a confirmation email from Caledonia Community Schools.
• Follow the next steps provided to complete enrollment.
• Complete any additional required forms or documentation.

Please note: Completing the CCS PreK Form begins the enrollment process but does not finalize your child’s enrollment or classroom placement.

How will I know if my child has secured a spot in Free PreK?

After completing the CCS PreK Form, families will receive communication from Caledonia Community Schools with information about their enrollment status and next steps.

Before & After School Care

Is care available before or after Free PreK?

Yes. The YMCA offers wrap care Monday through Thursday at CCS elementary schools for families who need care outside of the regular PreK day.

On Fridays, full-day care is available at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC).

Wrap care is provided and managed by the YMCA. Availability and registration are separate from CCS Free PreK enrollment.

Learn more about YMCA Wrap Care

Home Visits & Getting Ready for PreK

What is a PreK home visit?

As part of Free PreK, your child’s teacher will schedule a home visit with your family.

The approximately 45-minute visit is a relaxed opportunity for your child and family to get to know the teacher before the school year begins. It also gives the teacher an opportunity to learn more about your child’s interests, strengths, routines, and needs.

Families are encouraged to use this time to ask questions and learn more about the upcoming school year.

Is the home visit an inspection of my home?

No. A home visit is not an inspection. It is simply an opportunity for your family and your child’s teacher to get to know one another and begin building a strong home-school connection.

Your child’s teacher will contact you to schedule a time that works for your family.

Does the visit have to take place in my home?

No. If your family would prefer to meet somewhere other than your home, you may discuss an alternate location with your child’s teacher when scheduling the visit.

Can my family tour the classroom and school?

Yes. Families who would like to tour their child’s classroom and school may contact the school office to schedule a time.

Contact Us

Who should I contact if I have questions about Free PreK?

For questions about CCS Free PreK or the Free PreK enrollment process, please contact Catey Russell at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center:

616-891-6220
[email protected]

We are happy to help families navigate the enrollment process and answer questions about Free PreK.

Tuition-Based Preschool – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC) offers Tuition-Based Preschool for three and four year olds, as well as our Little Scots program for younger preschoolers. Below are answers to some of the most common questions families have about our Tuition-Based Preschool programs.

General Questions

How much does Tuition-Based Preschool cost?

Tuition varies based on your child’s age and the number of days they attend each week. Tuition-Based Preschool ranges from $168–$252 per month, while Little Scots is $60 per month.

An enrollment fee is also required:

• $75 for a new student
• $100 for a family enrolling more than one new student
• $25 for a returning student

Monthly Payments

Families enrolled in Tuition-Based Preschool will set up automatic payments through their child’s PowerSchool account. Tuition is posted on the first of each month from September through May.

Families may choose:

• ACH autopay: No additional fee
• Debit/credit card autopay: 2.95% processing fee

What is the Tuition-Based Preschool calendar?

Tuition-Based Preschool begins in September and runs through the end of May. The program follows the Caledonia Community Schools district calendar for most holidays, breaks, and school closures.

There are a few differences specific to Tuition-Based Preschool, including start and end dates and half days. When CCS is scheduled for a half day, Tuition-Based Preschool will be closed for the full day.

Families can view or download the calendars below:

Caledonia Community Schools District Calendar
2026–2027 Tuition-Based Preschool Calendar

Where is Tuition-Based Preschool offered?

Tuition-Based Preschool is offered at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC).

Is transportation provided for Tuition-Based Preschool?

No. Transportation is not provided for Tuition-Based Preschool. Families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center.

Will my child have a snack at school?

Families should send a water bottle and snack with their child each day. Please label your child’s items with their name.

Your child’s teacher will provide additional information about classroom snack routines and any food or allergy considerations.

Does my child need 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. Our Tuition-Based Preschool classrooms are not equipped for diapering.

Will my child have an opportunity to visit the classroom before school starts?

Yes. Tuition-Based Preschool families will have an opportunity to visit DLECC, see their child’s classroom, and meet their teacher before the school year begins. Open house information will be shared with enrolled families before the start of school.

Are there classroom parties and special events?

Yes. Tuition-Based Preschool classrooms participate in special activities and celebrations throughout the school year. Teachers will share information with families about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and any items that may be needed.

Enrollment & Payments

How do I enroll my child in Tuition-Based Preschool?

Families can enroll online through the preschool enrollment page of the CCS website.

Health appraisals and immunization records may be dropped off at the DLECC office or emailed to [email protected].

Enrollment is subject to classroom availability.

How do I pay my child’s tuition?

Families will set up automatic tuition payments through their child’s PowerSchool Parent Portal account. Payments are posted on the first of each month from September through May.

ACH autopay is available at no additional charge. Debit or credit card autopay includes a 2.95% processing fee.

Curriculum & Learning

What curriculum does Tuition-Based Preschool use?

Our Tuition-Based Preschool programs use age-appropriate curriculum designed to help children learn, grow, and prepare for their next step in school.

Three year olds learn through HighScope, while four year olds use Connect4Learning. Both programs build important early skills in literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development and connect with the learning students will experience in CCS Kindergarten.

How will I know what my child is learning?

Teachers keep families informed about classroom learning, activities, upcoming events, and important reminders throughout the school year.

Your child’s teacher will share information at the beginning of the year about how classroom updates and communication will be provided.

Do teachers hold parent/teacher conferences?

Yes. Families will have opportunities during the school year to meet with their child’s teacher, discuss their child’s development and goals, and celebrate their progress.

Teachers also share information about each child’s growth and learning throughout the school year.

Parent Involvement

How can I be involved in my child’s preschool experience?

Families are an important part of our DLECC community. There are several ways to get involved throughout the year, including volunteering in the classroom or at special events, helping with classroom activities and celebrations, and participating in the PTO.

All volunteers must complete the CCS volunteer approval process before volunteering.

Any adult entering the building is also required to check in using the Raptor visitor management system. Please bring your driver’s license each time you visit DLECC.

Learn more about volunteering at CCS

How will I communicate with my child’s teacher?

We value ongoing communication between families and teachers. Families may contact their child’s teacher by email or phone.

Brief conversations may also take place during arrival and dismissal. For longer conversations, please contact your child’s teacher directly so staff can remain focused on safely welcoming and dismissing students.

Field Trips

Does Tuition-Based Preschool take field trips?

Yes. Tuition-Based Preschool may offer field trips and other special learning experiences throughout the school year.

For Tuition-Based Preschool field trips:

• Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting their child to and from the field trip location.
• A parent/guardian must remain with their child for the entire field trip.
• Field trips are designed to be shared experiences between children and their families.

Teachers will provide field trip information in advance, including the date, time, location, and any additional details families need to know.

Contact Us

Who should I contact if I have questions about Tuition-Based Preschool?

For questions about Tuition-Based Preschool, Little Scots, enrollment, or your preschool account, please contact Catey Russell at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center:

616-891-6220
[email protected]