Frequently Asked Questions: Preschool Sign-up

What is Head Start and how do I sign-up?

Head Start is an income-based program for lower income families. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 15th, the year they will begin preschool. (Children who are 5 years old by September 15th are not eligible). Free half-day options for 3 and 4 year-olds, free full-day options for children who are 4 years old by September 15th. No spot is guaranteed.
To sign up for the current school year or for Fall 2024, please call 515-242-7588 to make an appointment Birth verification and proof of income (tax return, or current FIP, or SSI) required.

What is Universal Preschool and how do I sign up?

Also known as UPK, is for children who are 4 years-old by September 15th, the year they will begin preschool. (Children who are 5 years old by September 15th are not eligible). Half-day options are free, full day options- parent pays or 1 unit of childcare assistance. First come first serve basis.
To apply for Universal Preschool for the current 2023-2024 school year please call 515-242-7588.
2024-2025 Universal Preschool online application

What is the difference between Head Start and UPK?

Head Start is free of charge, but you have to qualify with your income. Head Start accepts children who are 3 and 4 years old by September 15^th the year they will begin preschool. No spot is guaranteed.
For Universal Preschool, only the half days are free, full days cost or we take childcare assistance. Universal Preschool only accepts children who are 4 years old by September 15^th the year they will begin preschool. First come first serve basis.
Both programs teach the same curriculum and are both at McKee, Mitchell, Taylor, and Woodlawn.

Can I apply for both Head Start and Universal Preschool?

Yes, as long as your child will be 4 years by September 15^th, you can apply for both programs. (Children who are 5 years old by September 15th are not eligible). If accepted, your child may only attend one program

Do I need to make an appointment for a Head Start application or Universal Preschool application?

For Head Start, yes you have to make an appointment by calling 515-242-7588.
For Universal Preschool, no appointment needed, the Universal Preschool application will be available on this website beginning in March.

Am I assigned a Preschool site or do I get to choose?

Out of our four main preschool buildings, you get to choose; there are no boundaries for preschool. McKee, Mitchell, Taylor, and Woodlawn.

What is Shared Visions Preschool and how do I sign up?

Shared Visions is for children who are 4 years old by September 15^th and live in the attendance area of Capitol View, McKinley, or Moulton Schools and meet income guidelines. Proof of address and income is required. Contact us at preschool@dmschools.org for information on how to apply.

What if my child was born a few days after the September 15th deadline?

In order to apply, children have to be 3 or 4 years old by September 15^th. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions.

Do I need to pay for Head Start or UPK?

Head Start is free of charge; you do not have to pay. For Universal Preschool, half-day classes are free of charge, there is a cost for full-day classes.

If my child is three and I don’t qualify for Head Start can I pay for it?