Preschool 101

young girl in preschool smiling at camera

Preschool at Richfield Public Schools

We are committed to preparing your child for success by supporting their intellectual, emotional and social development needs in a positive and nurturing environment. We provide a play-based developmentally appropriate curriculum that is Four Star Parent Aware to enhance your child's learning.

You have the option of in-person preschool programming as well as distance learning options. Priority for preschool classes is given to Richfield school district residents who meet eligibility requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Preschool for 3-Year-Olds

We provide a high-quality experience that will introduce your child to school while igniting a love of learning.
All sessions are held at the Central Education Center.
Children must be 3-years-old by September 1 of the school year.
Tuition is divided into nine monthly payments. The first monthly payment is due on Aug 15.

Choose from the following schedule options:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:45-11:15 a.m.
Tuesday and Thursday from 8:45-11:15 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30-3 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m.
Monday through Friday from 8:45-11:15 a.m. (Spanish focus)

Preschool Fees

Program	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Two Days a Week	$0	$24/month	$75/month	$150/month
Three Days a Week	$0	$33/month	$103/month	$210/month
Five Days a Week	$0	$50/month	$160/month	$325/month

Determine Your Level

Family Size	Level 1	Level 2	level 3	level 4
2	$0-$20,826	$20,827-$32,040	$32,041-$40,050	$40,051+
3	$0-$26,208	$26,209-$40,320	$40,321-$50,400	$50,401+
4	$0-$31,590	$31,590-$48,600	$48,601-$60,750	$60,751+
5	$0-$36,972	$36,973-$56,880	$56,881-$71,100	$71,101+
6	$0-$42,354	$42,355-$65,160	$65,161-$81,450	$81,451+
7	$0-$47,736	$47,737-$73,440	$73,441-$91,800	$91,801+
8	$0-$53,118	$53,119-$81,720	$81,721-$102,150	$102,151+

Richfield Public Schools reserves the right to modify the sliding fee scale and family’s gross income chart as needed.

Preschool for 4-Year-Olds

Our focus is to provide your child with a high-quality and engaging learning experience to prepare them for kindergarten.
Classes meet at each of the the Richfield elementary schools and follow the school calendar.
Children must be 4-years-old by September 1 of the school year.

Location and schedule options for 4-year-olds:

Centennial Elementary School

Monday through Friday from 7:30-10 a.m.
Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Central Education Center

Monday through Friday from 8:45-11:15 a.m.
Monday through Friday from 12:30-3 p.m.

Richfield Dual Language School

Monday through Friday from 8:15-10:45 a.m.
Monday through Friday from 12:15-2:45 p.m.

Richfield STEM Elementary

Monday through Friday from 7:30-10 a.m.
Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sheridan Hills

Monday through Friday from 8:15-10:45 a.m.
Monday through Friday from 12:15-2:45 p.m.

Preschool Plus

Create an extended preschool experience at Central! Add more fun and learning to your child’s day with enrichment activities paired with the morning Preschool for 4s. We build upon the preschool curriculum and support social skills and development in a safe, convenient classroom. This program meets every school day and includes bus transportation to Central in the morning with parent pickup between 3-4:30 p.m. on school days, September 2020-June 2021.

Program time is 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Enrollment is first come, first served
Class size is limited to 20 students with two staff
$100 deposit due at registration
$675/month (first payment due August 15)
Annual tuition is divided into equal monthly payments with a deposit required at registration
Financial Assistance is available through the Pathways I Early Learning Scholarship program

We Offer Both In-Person & Distance Learning Options

Distance Learning for 4-Year-Olds

Distance learning for 4-year-olds

Activities are available daily and can be done anytime that works for your schedule.
Opportunity to meet daily with teacher and classmates for an interactive online session.
Children receive weekly lessons with developmentally appropriate activities created by licensed preschool teachers and early childhood special educators.
We use a standards-based curriculum with assessments embedded in play-based activities.
You will receive regular communication regarding your child’s development.
Your child’s teacher will offer ongoing parenting support to answer any questions you have about your child’s development.
This program will remain in distance learning for the entire school year.

In-Person for 4-Year-Olds

In-person learning for 4-year-olds in preschool

Children attend five half-days per week in-person.
Children receive weekly instruction with developmentally appropriate activities created by licensed preschool teachers and early childhood special educators.
We use a standards-based curriculum with assessments embedded in play-based activities.
You will receive regular communication regarding your child's development.

In-Person for 3-Year-Olds

In-person learning for 3-year-olds in preschool

Students attend two, three or five half-days per week in-person.
Children receive weekly instruction with developmentally appropriate activities created by licensed preschool teachers and early childhood special educators.
We use a standards-based curriculum with assessments embedded in play-based activities.
You will receive regular communication regarding your child's development.

Special Programs

Richfield Dual Language School: Spanish immersion
Richfield STEM School: Science, technology, engineering and math enrichment
New at the Central Education School: Spanish enrichment classes
- These classes will provide an introduction to Spanish and offer beginner multilingual classroom instruction
- Taught by a bilingual teacher
- Morning session will be a mixed age class including preschool 3s and 4s
- Afternoon session for preschool for 4s

Register for Preschool

New students are welcome to enroll in preschool throughout the year as space permits. Contact us or visit the online registration to view openings or begin enrollment.

Enroll now for the 2021-22 School Year!

Plan ahead and secure your place in one of our popular classes. Note, class options may change based on funding allocations set by the Minnesota Legislature and/or the status of the pandemic. Affected enrolled families will be contacted and given options based on availability and Department of Education guidelines.

Register Online

Register with Paper Forms

You can pick up application packets at any of our elementary schools or at the Central Education Center (7145 Harriet Avenue South). You can also request an enrollment packet be mailed to you by calling or emailing us.

612-243-3007
earlylearning@rpsmn.org

NOTE: Applications will not be processed until we receive all completed information. A copy of your child’s immunizations, birth certificate and early childhood screening will be required before starting school.

Contact

Early Childhood Programs

Central Education Center
7145 Harriet Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423

Phone: 612-243-3007
Fax: 612-243-3067
Email: earlylearning@rpsmn.org

Family Resources

Early Learning Family Handbook

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