PreKindergarten is a general education early learning program designed to support four-year-olds as they build the social, emotional, and academic foundations needed for kindergarten. Learning happens through play, exploration, routines, and relationships in a nurturing classroom environment.

To be eligible for PreKindergarten, students must be 4 years old (and potty trained) on or before August 31 of their enrollment year. Children who meet at least one of the qualifications below may receive preferential placement, based on when the application is submitted:

• Custodial parent is unmarried at the time of enrollment
• At least one parent was 19 years of age or younger when the child was born
• Family qualifies for the Child Nutrition Program (free or reduced-price meals)
• Child is referred by SRS/DCF
• At least one parent lacks a high school diploma or GED
• Child has a mild developmental delay in at least one area of development (speech, motor, academic concepts, or behavior), as determined during the Count Your Kid In screening
• A language other than English is spoken as the child’s primary language
• Child qualifies for migrant status, with a certificate of eligibility on file

PreKindergarten focuses on helping children learn, grow, and feel confident as they begin their school journey, while partnering closely with families every step of the way.

Circle Public Schools is exploring the possibility of offering full-day PreKindergarten programs at our elementary campuses.

We invite families to explore our Full Day PreK page to complete our interest poll and learn more about what a full day program could look like for your child.

Early Childhood Special Education (EC) serves children ages 3–5 who may need additional support due to a developmental delay or disability. Unlike PreKindergarten, which is a general education program, Early Childhood provides individualized services based on a child’s needs.

Each classroom also includes role model students, who are typically developing peers. Role model students help support social interaction, communication, and learning within the classroom environment while benefiting from a structured early learning experience themselves.

Eligibility for Early Childhood is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process that may include:

• Hearing and vision screening
• Health and medical history
• Developmental history
• Cognitive (thinking and problem solving) development
• Adaptive (self-care) development
• Social and emotional development (getting along with others)
• Communication (talking, listening, and understanding) skills
• Motor development 

Circle Public Schools partners with Butler County Interlocal 638 to provide services and may connect families with additional community resources.

If you have any concerns about your child’s development it's never too early to call. Early screening can help guide the appropriate next steps for your child.