Preschool teacher helping child with tye dye t-shirt

Application and Parent Information

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024–25 academic year.

Please contact the director if you if you would like to be placed on the waitlist for other sessions.

Download the Application

Things to know before applying

The Grinnell College Preschool sessions run from September through May. The preschool calendar coordinates with the Grinnell College calendar (which differs from the public school calendar). The calendar for the current year is part of the enrollment packet.

Applications are available to families in March. The notice for application will be advertised in the Campus Memo and the Grinnell Herald-Register. Families will be notified of admission and class assignments at the end of March.

Children must be three years of age by September 15 and be toilet trained to be eligible for enrollment in the fall semester.

Each session enrolls sixteen children. Children will be admitted and assigned to a session based upon the age of each child in descending order from oldest to youngest. Returning students have first priority for re-enrollment and will be enrolled before the assignment of new students. We try to provide gender balance in each session.

There will be a waiting list for only the current academic year. Open positions in each session will be filled from the waiting list based upon the age of each child in descending order from oldest to youngest as well as gender to balance the class until the session is full.

It is the policy of Grinnell College Preschool not to discriminate in its program or activities on the basis of sexual orientation, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status or disability. Our program fosters knowledge of, and respect and appreciation for, the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society. Grinnell College Preschool provides programming for all children, including those with disabilities and unique learning needs. Modifications are made in the environment in order to include children with special needs. Staff will be trained on the identified needs and are able to follow through with specific intervention plans. Children with special needs that are included in the program enrich the experience for everyone involved. The preschool facilities meet the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements. People who feel they have been discriminated against are encouraged to report it to the Iowa Department of Education, “Grimes State Office Building”, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, (515)281-5294. Procedures are available upon request from the director of preschool.

A typical session will include large and small group activities, story reading, snack, outdoor play, and play in the following learning centers:

  • easel painting
  • art table
  • writing center / typing center
  • puzzles / manipulatives - toys and games
  • library / story retelling table
  • computer
  • science/ discovery / makerspace area
  • sand table
  • sensory tubs
  • water table
  • dramatic play area
  • block center
  • Lego table
  • train set
  • workbench
  • mini gym

For additional information email Karen Veerhusen-Langerud or call her at (641) 269-3320.
Grinnell College Preschool, 1022 Park Street, Grinnell, IA 50112.

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