Preschool Programs
Allendale Public Schools provides a comprehensive early childhood education program, in partnership with families, to help children prepare for a successful school career. Early childhood education improves the emotional, social and physical development of young children. High quality, developmentally appropriate programs positively affect children’s cognitive abilities and social development.
All our preschool programs provide safe, happy learning environments, staffed by qualified professionals. Teaching staff strive to meet individual learning needs and styles with an integrated curriculum. Children have many opportunities to learn new skills, explore new information, and build a positive self-image. Preschool learners participate in imaginative play, improve motor skills, develop relationships, and prepare for kindergarten and beyond.
Wee Ones Preschool
Wee Ones Preschool embraces the philosophy that each child has great potential and will develop at his/her individual pace. Children learn best in a creative, relaxed atmosphere. With staff support, children learn to make decisions, solve problems, share and take turns, listen and follow directions, discover more about others, and develop positive self-esteem.
Wee Ones curriculum works to develop key skills through large/small groups integrating play, music, art and literacy. The curriculum focuses on the social, emotional, intellectual, auditory, visual and physical development of the preschool age child.
Children must be 3 years old or 4 years old by December 1 to attend Wee Ones programs. All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR. Classes run 30 weeks, based on two 15-week semesters, following the Allendale Early Childhood Center calendar. Children need to be fully potty-trained by the first day of school unless medical conditions exist that have caused a developmental delay.
Class Schedule for 3-year-olds
Children must be 3 years old by December 1.
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
3 Days: Monday - Wednesday - Friday
2 Days: Tuesday-Thursday
Class Schedule for 4-year-olds
Children must be 4 years old by December 1.
9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
4 Days: Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday
3 Days: Monday - Wednesday - Friday
2 Days: Tuesday - Thursday
Tuition & Fees for 2023-2024 School Year
A $50 registration fee is due when the child is enrolled.
- 3-year-olds (2 Days/Week) = $1,030
- 3-year-olds (3 Days/Week) = $1,520
- 4-year-olds (2 Days/Week) = $1,090
- 4-year-olds (3 Days/Week) = $1,590
- 4-year-olds (4 Days/Week) = $1,980
50% of tuition is due by July 15, with balance due by the first day of second semester (mid-December). A monthly payment plan is available.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
Great Start Readiness Program(GSRP) is a free program for 4-year-olds who are income eligible or meet other qualifications. GSRP applications are accepted year-round. If the program is full, applicants’ names will be placed on a waiting list for any available openings.
Great Start Readiness Program provides a loving environment for children to learn and grow their creative, social, academic and motor skills. The APS Great Start Readiness Program uses Creative Curriculum to guide students toward school readiness.
Income guidelines set by the State of Michigan for the 2022-23 school year:
Family of 2 - $18,310 to $45,775
Family of 3 - $23,030 to $57,575
Family of 4 - $27,750 to $69,375
Family of 5 - $32,470 to $81,175
Family of 6 - $37,190 to $92,975
Family of 7 - $41,910 to $104,775
Children turning 4 years old by September 1 are prioritized for attending GSRP. Enrollment requests for birth dates between September 1 and December 1 will be considered and/or wait-listed.
Scan the QR code or click anywhere on the picture to apply
All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR. GSRP classes operate full school days, Monday through Thursday.
GSRP provides tuition assistance through the Michigan Department of Education. For information on qualifying, registration and more, please contact the preschool department at 616-892-3308.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is a special education preschool program designed to foster and develop basic learning skills for children with physical, cognitive, language, hearing, visual, emotional or autism spectrum disorder impairments. The ECSE team prepares the children for and provides them with the skills they need to make a successful transition to elementary school. Children who qualify for the program receive specialized instruction from certified staff. It is designed to meet the individual needs of each child.
ECSE is for 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds. Eligibility is determined by evaluations conducted by an early childhood diagnostic team. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written for qualified children. Services may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or social work. Parents receive support and instruction sessions.
If you are seeking to enroll a student in ECSE, please contact Heather Kennedy, Special Education Secretary, at 616-892-3460.
Preschool Wrap-around Program
Enrollment for 2022 - 2023 school year will be as follows:
June - Enrollment opens.
An extension of our regular preschool program, Preschool Wrap-around care is offered in the Preschool Wing of the Allendale Early Childhood Center (AECC).
Preschool Wrap-around staff are certified in first aid and CPR. The staff works jointly with all preschool classrooms, using the same curricula to best meet the individual needs of every APS preschooler.
Children must be 36 months, fully toilet trained and be enrolled in an AECC Preschool section to attend Wrap-around care.
Schedule Options and Fees
- Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. care availability
- Before Preschool 7 a.m. - until the start of preschool class = $5.50 per hour
- After Preschool - 6 p.m. care = $5.50 per hour
- Full Day care = $5.50 per hour
Student must be enrolled in an APS preschool classroom. DHHS payments are accepted.
Preschool Registration Application
Applying for Preschool
- For questions, please contact the Preschool department at 616-892-3308.
- Popular preschool classes fill up quickly, so please register early.
- A $50 registration fee is required. Once your child is placed in a preschool classroom, you will be billed for the registration fee.
How to Apply for Preschool at Allendale Public Schools
The link at the bottom of this section will take you to the application. After you submit the Google form, your preschool registration request will be processed and you will be contacted via email within 5 business days.
Documents Required for Preschool Attendance
Along with completing the above mentioned application, please be prepared to submit:
- Health appraisal completed and signed by a parent and a physician within the last 12 months.
- Immunization Record or notification of Waiver filed with the Michigan Department of Public Health
- Birth certificate
Great Start Readiness Program Scholarship Information
Additional documents needed when applying for a Michigan Great Start Readiness Program Scholarship are listed below. These documents must be received before your application can be considered.
- Ottawa County Early Childhood application
- Income verification (Examples W-2, Most recent income tax statement)
Great Start Readiness Application English
Great Start Readiness Application Spanish
If you have questions please contact the preschool department at 616-892-3308.
2023-2024 Preschool Registration
Allendale Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, amnesty, limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:
District Administration Office
10505 Learning Lane
Allendale, MI 49401
616-892-5570
