SPS Preschool provides students with a rich environment where they can develop necessary skills for lifelong learning in all areas (fine motor, cognition, gross motor, social emotional). These skills are learned through developmentally appropriate activities, natural settings, peer interactions and play. We offer supportive and positive partnerships between family, school and community, individualized supports and a smooth transition to kindergarten. Our program offers a preschool program for 3- and 4-year-old students living in the USD 305 school district. This program is an integrated classroom with At-Risk and Special Education students.
SPS Preschool FAQs
Preschool Information
What is the curriculum?
Our early education classrooms utilize the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence based on extensive research and developmentally appropriate practices. The sequence offers a clear progression of skills for children three to five. Through this curriculum, teachers are able to provide strong foundational content for children as they move into kindergarten.
What is the daily schedule?
The daily schedule is predictable and follows a regular routine. There is a balance between teacher directed activities (small group/whole group) and student selected activities (free play). Whole group and small group gatherings are short and transitions are limited. Extended blocks of time are provided to engage children in play and to allow for investigations and explorations.
What is the teacher/student ratio?
The ratios in our classrooms vary, depending on the needs of the students. Each of the classrooms has a lead teacher with support staff and maintains a 1:10 teacher/student ratio.
What supplies do I need to provide for my child?
- Backpack with child’s name on it
- Change of clothing (Your child may be potty-trained but sometimes spills or outside playtime may require a change of clothing)
Can I donate school supplies to my child’s classroom?
Yes, it is at your discretion to give to the classroom. If interested, talk with your child’s teacher to see what items may be helpful for the classroom.
How will my teacher communicate with me?
Each school and teacher will have his or her form of communication. Some teachers use Dojo, some have a private Facebook page, etc. Ask your teacher how she will be sharing information with you and how you would like information communicated to you.
How can I support my child’s learning at home and school?
Parent engagement is important. We support parents as their child’s teacher, nurturer, and advocate. Parents are encouraged to share their skills and interests with the program. Ways you can support your child’s learning include:
- Attend family nights
- Participate in classroom events
- Participate in school events
- Attend field trips
- Volunteer in your child’s classroom
- Participate in parent/teacher conferences
- Participate in your school’s PTO
- Volunteer in the library
Who are the special services staff that may work with my child?
- Licensed Special Education Teachers
- Licensed ESOL Teacher
- School Psychologist
- Speech/Language Pathologist
- Occupational/Physical Therapists/Gross Motor Facilitator
- School Nurse
- Social Worker/Behavior Specialist
- Integration Specialist
Who are the other staff that may work with my child?
- Librarian
- Lead Teacher
- School Nurse
- School Counselor
- P.E. Teacher
- Music Teacher
Enrollment
How old must my child be to enroll in USD 305 preschool?
Students must be three (3) years old on or before August 31 of the current school year.
How do I find the school that my child will attend?
The address of your primary residence as legal parent(s) or guardian(s) will determine which school your child should attend. You will need to provide proof of residence at enrollment. Class size is limited (See teacher/student ratio). If your neighborhood school is full and there are openings at other schools, you will be contacted by Heartland Early Education to discuss options.
Where do I find school contact information?
The USD 305 district website (www.usd305.com) provides contact information for each elementary school and Heartland Early Education.
Is USD 305 a Universal Preschool?
No, children must qualify through At-Risk, Head Start or disability services.
What should I do if my child is placed on the waitlist?
You will be notified when there is an opening for your child. To check your child’s current status, contact Heartland’s front office at 785-309-5000.
What is Skyward and what do I need to know?
Skyward is a student database for the school system.
- Initial access to Skyward is given when you register your child. In July, you will receive enrollment information to start the enrollment process.
- This database system will allow you to access your child’s information. It will allow you to update your contact information such as address, phone numbers, emergency contacts, and e-mail address.
- Updating your information allows the school to send you important notifications such as school closures and school events. It is also important to keep this information updated so you can be reached in case of an emergency with your child.
I have children enrolled in school. Do I need to enroll my upcoming preschooler at the Walk-In Enrollment or can I just enroll him/her online with the rest of the siblings?
If you have completed the application process and have been accepted by Heartland Early Education, you will need to register your upcoming preschooler in Skyward. In July when you get an enrollment letter, you will add your child to the family enrollment online. If you do not get an enrollment letter from the district in July for your preschooler or you would like assistance completing the process, plan to attend Walk-In Enrollment.
If I attend Walk-In Enrollment, what do I bring?
Bring your child’s birth certificate, copy of current immunizations, completed physical form, and proof of residency.
What do we need to do if we move to a new school during the summer?
Contact Heartland Early Education at 785-309-5000 and ask the front office staff to update you in the system. This can change which school your child will be placed.
What information do I need to have ready to provide for the enrollment of my child?
- Birth Certificate (hospital or official state copy), or copy of a court order placing the student in adult’s custody, or baptismal certificate
- Current immunization record
- Copy of health physical exam (Kansas Health Assessment) completed by an approved health care provider within 12 months of the enrollment date
- Proof of residence dated July 2023 or after
How do I get a copy of my child’s official state birth certificate and what is the cost?
- Go to https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1186/Birth-Certificate and choose which option suits your needs.
- Birth certificates cost $20.00. The total cost will vary depending on how you choose to have it delivered.
- Walk in – Topeka - $20.00 birth certificate
- Download and fill out the official form and provide a self-addressed envelope and have it mailed to you - $20.00 birth certificate fee and no additional charge
- Mobile App – Download the IKAN app - $20.00 birth certificate plus $5.00 processing fee
- Internet – www.vitalchek.com - $15.00 birth certificate plus $13.95 service fee
Starting School
When is the first day of preschool?
The first day of preschool is Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
What are the arrival and dismissal times?
Preschool classrooms (in the elementary building) operate the following:
- Morning class - 8:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
- Afternoon class - 12:10 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday through Thursday. There is no school on Friday.
Does the preschool follow SPS school closure schedule?
Yes, if school has a late start, morning classes will be canceled. Afternoon classes will still run at their regular time. A school calendar with the full list of closures is provided to you at the beginning of school.
Will I get a tour of the school building before school starts?
Check with your assigned elementary school. Some schools will have a “Meet your teacher” event prior to school starting.
Will my child be able to ride the school bus?
Limited transportation is available at all sites. Children must meet certain criteria to qualify.
Does an adult need to be present when the bus drops off my child from school?
You must have an adult or older child present to meet the bus. These individuals must be established with Durham at the beginning of the school year.
Does my school have an after-school program available my child can attend?
No, at this time, there are not any after-school programs available for preschool students.
Will my child be served meals at school?
Salina Public Schools participate in the National School Lunch Program. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are served at school. There is a charge for meals. Your family may qualify for free or reduced meals as part of your application process for preschool. You can also apply for reduced or free meals during the enrollment process or at your child’s school.
Preschools are served the following meals:
- AM Session – Breakfast/Snack
- PM Session – Lunch/Snack
Can I eat lunch with my child?
Yes, contact the school office to learn about the best way to schedule lunch with your child.
If I want to visit my child’s school, what will I need to do?
Parents are welcome. Schedule with the front office to get principal approval, before visiting to verify schedules and to provide for meaningful observations. When you arrive, stop by the office, sign in and get a visitor’s badge.
Is there an attendance policy for Preschool?
Making sure your student attends school every day is essential to helping your student succeed.
- When reporting your child absent or tardy, contact the school by 9:00 a.m. each time your child is absent.
- Messages can be left on the school’s answering machine during non-school hours.
- Your child will be unexcused if the school does not hear from you. This is for the safety of your child.
- Provide an appointment card if your child has missed all or part of the school day due to an appointment.
Will my child be given a developmental screening at the start of school?
Yes, you will be asked to schedule an ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE-2 screening at the beginning of the year. These are helpful for the teacher so they can:
- Individualize instruction,
- Help with classroom planning
- Design the environment to meet your child’s needs
When and how will I be given the information to fill out the ASQ screening?
Most schools send the ASQ’s out electronically and others use the paper version. After your teacher receives the completed ASQ, they will score the screener and review the results with you.
Will my child get screenings at school?
Vision, hearing and dental screenings are conducted during the school year. If your child’s screening reveals any concerns the school nurse will contact you and further evaluation may be recommended for your child.
Medication Policy
My child will need to take medication at school. What is your policy?
Contact the school nurse for further instructions.