Child Care Resource & Referral

• Who qualifies for School Readiness?
  • Children must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before September 1 of the application school year
  • Families must be income eligible and live in Olmsted County
  Placement considerations include child and family needs, available community openings, and parent choice.  Children and families with the greatest need have the highest priority for enrollment.  For further information or to request an application, please call (507) 287-2020 or click here to print an application in PDF format.
• What services are provided in the School Readiness program?
  • Early childhood learning experiences
  • Parent education and support
  • Home visits during the school year
  • Health and community service referrals
  • Parent involvement and family events
    • Example discussion topics:  Power Struggles, All Aboard the Big Yellow School Bus
    • Example family events:  Pizza & Family Game Night, Field Trip to the Public Library, free passes to the Minnesota Zoo
  • Kindergarten information
  • Consultation with parents and teachers
  • Preschool scholarships for children to attend an early learning program 
• What are my obligations as a School Readiness parent?
  Parents are a child's first teacher. The most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which that student's family is able:
  • To create a home environment that encourages learning
  • To express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children's achievement and future careers
  • To become involved in their children's education at school and in the community
  We have just a few things we require of you during your child's School Readiness year. These requirements are designed to help equip you to be your child's first teacher:
  • Attend a parent orientation session
  • Complete registration paperwork at your child's preschool. Pay the parent portion of the registration fee ($15) and pay the monthly parent share of tuition.
  • Complete an Early Childhood Screening within 90 days of enrollment in the program. (Rochester residents can call 328-4004 to make a screening appointment. Out-of-town residents should contact their local school district.)
  • Attend three Partners in Education (PIE) discussion groups 
  • Attend three family events
• Where can I find School Readiness documents if my child is in the School Readiness program?
  • School Readiness links

Click here for a copy of the current School Readiness newsletter.

Click here for a calendar of all monthly PIE discussion groups and family events.