Additional Early Childhood Programming

Welcome to Additional Early Childhood Programming
At Caledonia Community Schools, we believe early learning extends beyond the classroom. In addition to the high-quality preschool programs offered at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center, there are several valuable early childhood resources available to families throughout our community. This page highlights trusted local programs designed to support children’s development from birth through age five. Whether you’re looking for parent-child activities, in-home support, or early intervention services, these programs offer opportunities to help every child get the best possible start.

Bright Beginnings Home Visits & Playgroups (KISD)

Bright Beginnings Home Visits & Playgroups

Bright Beginnings is a free early childhood program offered through a partnership between Kent ISD and local school districts, including Caledonia Community Schools. Designed for families with children from birth to age five, this program supports early learning and family engagement through home visits and bi-weekly playgroups hosted at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center. To learn more or enroll, visit the Bright Beginnings website linked below.

Bright Beginnings (Kent ISD)

Early On Intervention Professionals (KISD)

Early On

Early On Kent ISD is a dedicated team of 80+ early intervention professionals—such as speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, early childhood special education teachers, and school social workers—who partner with families to support infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Through this collaborative, family-centered approach, Early On empowers parents and caregivers to help their child grow and learn. The program also benefits from the support of referral and intake specialists, Spanish-speaking interpreters, and administrative staff. Serving families across all 20 local school districts within Kent ISD, Early On operates year-round to ensure continuous developmental support.

Early On (Kent ISD)

Early Childhood Special Education

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Caledonia Community Schools offers Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services for children ages 3 to 5 with identified special needs. This state-funded program is designed to support each child’s growth through a preschool curriculum paired with individualized goals. Students attend four half days per week, plus one Friday each month. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy—as well as social work services—are embedded into the program based on each child’s unique needs.

Child Find: Early Intervention Services

Child Find: Early Intervention Services
If you have concerns about your child’s development in areas such as speech, motor skills, vision, hearing, or social-emotional growth, we’re here to help. Caledonia Community Schools participates in the “Child Find” program to identify and support children from birth to 4 ½ years old who may benefit from early intervention services. These services are offered at no cost to families living within the district. To request a developmental screening, please complete the Developmental Screening Request Form.

Developmental Screening Request Form

YMCA Childcare

YMCA Childcare Partnership

Since 2006, Caledonia Community Schools has partnered with the YMCA to provide high-quality childcare for families within the district. At Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center (DLECC), YMCA staff offer care for children from birth through age five in a safe, nurturing environment. For school-age children, before and after school care is available at each elementary school, helping to support working families with convenient, on-site options. To learn more or inquire about enrollment, visit the YMCA Childcare Programs page.

YMCA Childcare Programs