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
  • Eligibility is based on income guidelines
  • Other eligibility criteria is considered
  • School Readiness children and families must reside in Olmsted county
  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
  • Health and community service referrals
  • Parent involvement, family events and activities
    • Example activities: Bedtime Stories, Quarry Hill Family Night, Spring Celebration, Family Fun Night, free passes to the Minnesota Zoo, etc.
  • Kindergarten information
  • Consultation with parents and teachers
  • Preschool scholarships for children to attend an early learning program
  • Placement considerations include child and family needs, available community openings, and parent choice.
• 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 share of the registration fee ($10) 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 285-8585 to make a screening appointment. Out-of-town residents should contact their local school district.)
  • Attend two parent 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.