Preschool Registration - Cedar Rapids Community Schools

Your Child’s Journey Starts Here!

Cedar Rapids Community School District welcomes you to our preschool program that offers innovative early childhood education for your child’s growth and development. We have a place and plan for you at several locations to serve our community for 2026-27. Your student must 4 years old by September 15, 2026, to enroll in preschool for the 2026-27 school year.

2026-27

2026-27

Four-Year-Old – Required documents

The following documents are required for all preschool students to complete registration and be considered for placement.

Proof of Birthdate – Child’s birth certificate (not hospital record), passport/visa, physcian’s statement, adoption papers, etc.
Proof of Residence – proof of address in the parent/guardian name, such as a current utility bill, mortgage paper, or current rental agreement (Not a driver’s license)

The following health documents are required for all preschool students and need to be turned in before the first day of school.

A provisional Certificate of Immunization or Documentation of a valid Certificate of Immunization Exemption (Religious or Medical).
May be submitted in lieu of a Certificate of Immunization. Requirements for valid exemptions may be found in Iowa Code 139A.8 and Iowa Administrative Code 641-7.
Current Health Physical Record from a medical provider (your child’s most recent physical).

If you are interested in the Head Start wrap-around program , which is an income-based program, the following financial documentation is required:

Financial Documentation – Two most recent pay stubs for each working parent in the home, a current tax return, or, if your child qualifies for Iowa DHS services, the most recent Notice of Decision Letter from DHS.

You may submit these documents in one of the following ways:

Upload them during the registration application process (a scan or a clear picture works)
Email them to earlylearning@crschools.us (a scan or a clear picture works)
Take them to the Truman Early Childhood Center at 441 West Post Rd. N.W. Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

2026-2027 Preschool Locations – Full Day

Grant Wood Elementary School
Truman Early Learning Center
Viola Gibson Elementary School

2026-2027 Preschool Locations – Half Day

Cedar River Academy at Taylor
Hiawatha Elementary
Johnson STEAM Academy
Kenwood Leadership Academy
Maple Grove Elementary
Truman Early Learning Center
West Willow Elementary
Wright Elementary

What We Offer – 2026-27 School Year

Free Half-day program
Tuition Based Full-day Program – $350 per month with certified teachers ALL DAY
Classes available at multiple locations across the district
Wrap-around care available through Head Start (Cedar River Academy, Johnson STEAM Academy, Truman) or Champions (Kenwood, Truman, West Willow)
Transportation options where available

Our Nurturing Approach:

Small Class Sizes for Personalized Attention
Friendship-Building through Guided Play
Learning to Understand and Express Feelings
Creative Expression through Art, Music, and Movement
Building Independence and Self-Confidence
Safe, Welcoming Spaces Designed for Young Learners
Experienced & State Licensed Certified Teachers who Understand Early Childhood Development

Your Child’s Journey With Us

Gentle transitions and routines
Friendship-building activities
Hands-on learning adventures
Creative play and discovery
Early literacy and math foundations
Music, art, and movement

Supporting Your Family

Updates and photos
Regular parent-teacher meetings
Family engagement activities
Parent support network
Sibling-friendly scheduling
Multi-child enrollment benefits

Partners in Your Child’s Success

Wrap-around care through HeadStart and Champions
Experienced and Certified teaching teams
Family support services
District-wide resources

To contact the Early Learning team, call 319-558-2375 or email earlylearning@crschools.us.

Learn more about our preschool program

Key Contact

Monica Frey

Principal Elementary

Key Contact

Annette Petersen

Early Learning Assistant