Bridges for Fours is a school readiness preschool program for children who will be at least four years old by September 1, 2023 and are not yet in Kindergarten. Any child living within the Windom Public School District #177 may attend Bridges Preschool. Children from other school districts may enroll in Bridges on a space-available basis. Bridges for Fours will be offered five days a week from 7:45-10:45 or 12:00-3:00 (early release Wednesdays at 2:05) and is held at the Early Childhood Center.
What is Bridges for Fours?
Parent Involvement
An important part of the Bridges program is the required parent involvement component. It is essential to a child’s healthy development that parents be included and involved in the learning process. Parents may volunteer in the classroom, attend ECFE classes or attend ECFE special events to fulfill this requirement.
Breakfast/Lunch at Bridges Fours
Children who attend preschool in the afternoons, participate in the school lunch program at Bridges for Fours at the cost $2.75 of per meal. Students who attend in the mornings, participate in school breakfast at the cost of $1.10 Families have the option of completing an application to determine if they qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Health Care
State law requires that all children who are enrolled in Bridges have a record of a physical exam or health evaluation on file at the school. An up to date record of immunizations is also required.
Registration Information
**Please call Caitlyn at the Highland Early Learning Center to register 832-8746.
Activities
Class activities encourage social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Calendar discussion, group sharing time, art activities, books, music, games, and free choice time are included in the daily schedule. Our emphasis is Kindergarten preparation. Monthly field trips to the Windom Public Library are also a part of the Bridges experience. Bridges is staffed by licensed early childhood teachers and experienced teaching assistants.
Tuition Fees
Tuition for Bridges for Fours per 9-week quarter is $175. Many scholarships are available to cover the cost of preschool and families may also qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Transportation
Transportation to and from Bridges is the responsibility of the parent. Parents may choose to bring and pick up their child from Bridges personally or transportation may be arranged with United Community Action Partnership Community Transit by calling 1-800-658-2480 or 1-507-847-2632. This must be done prior to the beginning of the school year and is at your own expense. If transportation is a concern or hardship, contact Caitlyn at 832-8746.