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School Readiness

Click here for Booklet

Creating a Foundation for Lifelong Learners 

Kids can't wait to learn!

When is School Readiness offered? 

School Readiness is a program funded by the Minnesota Department of Education to offer services to all families in the school district. We offer half and full day class options 5 days a week (Monday-Friday), September thru May. School Readiness follows the School District Calendar. 

Early Learning Center Highland School 
801 Central Avenue N Crookston, MN 56716 
For more information contact: 218-281-2762 

A preschool program for 4 and 5 year olds provided by the Crookston Public Schools, partially funded by the MN Department of Education. 


School Readiness Teachers: 

  • Brigette Burzette-DeLeon B.S. Early Childhood Education 

  • Karen Brekken B.S. Early Childhood Education

  • Jenni Knutson B.S. Early Childhood Education 


Crookston Public Schools Staff: 

  • Gina Gunderson, Early Childhood Coordinator, Early Childhood Family Education, Licensed Parent Educator 

What will children do? 

Each day's activities will include the following: 
Reading Time: Children are given time to explore books, listen to books being read, discuss books and engage in activities that familiarize them with print and the alphabet. 
Small Group Time: Children will take part in a teacher guided activity encouraging hands-on activity to explore a topic of interest. Reading, writing, science and social studies are an integral part of the small group activity. 
Large Group Time: Children converse, sing songs, play games and move to music. 
Free Choice Time: Children may utilize the following activity centers: Art Center, Reading Center, Building Center, Sand/Water Center, Puzzle and Game Center, Role Play Center, or Music Center . 
Clean-up time: Children will tidy the classroom, prepare for snack, and use the bathroom. 
Active Time: Children will play on a well-equipped playground or in a gross motor space, move to music, or play an active group game. 
Snack Time: Children will serve themselves and enjoy a nutritious snack and beverage as well as enjoy conversation. 

What role do parents play? 

  • Parents are welcome to visit their child's classroom anytime. The door is always "open"! ​

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  • Parents are welcome to volunteer in the classroom and are encouraged to share special talents, skills, or interests they may have.

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  • Special evening events are planned for School Readiness and are fun for the whole family. 

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  • Parent-teacher communication is valued and appreciated. Parents may feel free to stop in, call the teacher, email, or send notes in their child's backpack.

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  • Teachers communicate through a social media platform to keep parents informed of their child's activities and progress.

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  • Parent conferences are held twice a year, and parents are welcome to arrange a conference with the teacher at other times as needed. 

How do children learn? 

At School Readiness we believe....

  • Children enjoy learning. 

  • Children are active learners who learn by having a carefully prepared environment, choices, freedom, and· time to work and play cooperatively with peers. 

  • Children need relevant curriculum that is based on observing children's interests, and listening to their questions. 

  • Children need curriculum that is differentiated for each child based on differences in developmental levels, learning styles, and individual life experiences. 

  • Children will benefit most from a curriculum valuing academic achievement in balance with nurturing healthy self-esteem and caring relationships. 

  • Children need positive discipline and guidance if they are to develop inner self-control and self-discipline. 

  • Children's most important teachers are their parents. Parents are respected and appreciated for the important role they play in the education of their child both inside and outside the classroom. 

What is the cost of School Readiness ? 

School Readiness is a program funded by the Minnesota Department of Education to offer services to all families in the school district. 


Scholarships may be available for students that are not Kindergarten eligible. This ensures that all 
families are able to participate in School Readiness and are not denied access for inability to pay. 


Those families, who are able to pay, are charged a sliding fee based on the school lunch application. 


The following tuition rates have been established for the 2026-2027 school year based on 5 half days or 5 full days per week: 

  • A family meeting the guidelines for free meals will pay $0 a year. 

  • A family not meeting the guidelines (over income) will pay: 

                        Full Day Tuition- $2,250.00 per year

                        Half Day Tuition-$1, 750.00 per year 

 

A family meeting the guidelines for reduced meals will pay: 

                        Full Day Tuition- $1,687.50 per year 
                        Half Day Tuition-$1312.50 per year 

Why attend School Readiness?

Experts say, by age five 75% of a child's brain is developed. During this period of development, the learning that takes place establishes a foundation for success in school, the workplace, and life. School Readiness will build on the foundation laid by parents and further enhance the brain development and learning that is taking place during the preschool years. 
Children will benefit from the guidance of a qualified preschool teacher with a four year degree in Early Childhood Education. School Readiness will provide a carefully planned educational program and a stimulating environment where children grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually, and their use of language. This growth and development will form a solid foundation for academic learning, and allow children to transition to kindergarten with confidence and ease. 
Most importantly, School Readiness will provide children with happy days that are filled with opportunities to discover, explore, create, sing, laugh, dance, play, learn, and grow! 

What will children Learn?
School Readiness promotes Minnesota's Early Learning Standards and supports the 
following areas of a child's growth and development: 
Physical Development: Children are provided with a safe, clean environment, a 
nutritious snack and beverage, active play and time to relax. Good dental, health and safety habits are stressed and practiced. 
Emotional Development: A child's self-esteem is nurtured. An awareness of feelings and how to respond to feelings in constructive ways is emphasized. 
Social Development: Encouraging friendships, building a sense of community, 
facilitating cooperation, and helping children to resolve conflicts in positive ways are important goals throughout each day. 
Language Development: Children have the opportunity to utilize spoken and written language and to build a more extensive receptive and expressive vocabulary. Children have the opportunity to develop an interest in print and knowledge of printed language. 
Intellectual Development: Children develop new concepts and skills that lay the foundation for academic learning. They have the opportunity to ask questions and pursue answers. Activities and op,portunities are provided that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to their developmental level and learning 
style. 

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