FAQs
Enrollment Requirements
What is the age cutoff to attend The Early EDGE?
Students must be at least 3 years old on or before November 1st.
Will you offer a 2 year old Preschool option?
Unfortunately, no. Our preschool is designed to foster development for students who are already at least 3 years old. We anticipate opening up registration in January each year, so please check back and consider registering next year!
Students who are between 18 months and 2.5 years old are encouraged to consider taking our Parent + Me “Teeny Tinies” dance class. More information is linked here.
Does my student need to be potty trained?
Yes, a child attending Early EDGE must be potty trained. Our DHS license does not cover diapering, so all students must be potty trained.
What do I need to complete in order to be registered?
We start all new relationships with a facility tour and introduction with our Preschool Director and go from there!
When can I enroll?
See more information here!
If preschool classes are full, how can I be added to the waitlist?
Please submit an inquiry at the bottom of this page, and we will add your student to the waitlist. No financial commitment is made unless your student has a confirmed spot in a class.
Schedule
What days/times do you offer preschool? What is the cost?
You can view our preschool options and class pricing HERE.
Why do you not offer preschool on Mondays?
Research on early childhood education shows that 3 or 4 days/week is ideal for this age group. With so many federal holidays falling on Mondays, we’ve opted to not offer preschool on that day in order to allow continuity in students’ learning.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes! Before and/or after school care will be available Tuesday through Friday from 7:45-8:30am and 3:30-5:00pm. Please see this page for pricing details.
What would a sample daily schedule look like?
Arrival & Welcome
Table Activities
Circle Time 1
Activity Centers
Circle Time 2
Recess
Snack
Small Groups
Circle Time 3
Is any time provided for naps?
Students attending our full day program will have a rest time each day. The Early EDGE will provide mats and a quiet space for rest time that will be monitored by staff. Families should provide a small blanket, pillow and stuffed animal for their child. Rest time items from home will be sent home bi-weekly for washing. The Early EDGE staff will sanitize mats weekly. Our non-sleepers will be required to rest for 15 minutes and then they will be provided with quiet activities for the duration of rest time.
Where can I find the school year schedule?
The school year schedule is released a few months prior to each session starting; you can find our School Year Schedule HERE.
Do you offer transportation?
No, we do not offer transportation to or from preschool.
What time can I drop off my child for school?
Staff is available to meet your child for school at 8:25am unless you are signed up for before school care that begins at 7:45am.
What is your plan for inclement weather?
In case of inclement weather, The Early EDGE will close as determined by the Cedar Rapids School District. Families will be notified via Brightwheel.
If Cedar Rapids Schools are closed, The Early EDGE will be closed.
The Early EDGE will not delay for cold temperatures since we do not need to worry about busing.
Class Info
How large are your class sizes?
Our maximum class size is 12 students with 2 instructors. A student to teacher ratio no larger than 6:1 provides individualized care and attention to help each student flourish.
Do you follow the Iowa Early Learning Standards?
Yes, our curriculum goes above and beyond all state standards for early education.
Are all staff members accredited? Do you require background checks?
Yes, all of our teachers are licensed in the state of Iowa and have passed a background check.
How are food allergies handled during snack time and special events?
As a fellow food allergy family, we understand wholeheartedly how important it is to ensure every child’s safety while also making sure each child feels included in special events. Please ensure any food allergies are listed clearly on your student’s registration form. We will work with your family to put a plan in place that best accommodates your child’s needs related to food safety, including notifying other families in their class about any allergies.
Other Info
How do you involve parents?
Parents and teachers work hand-in-hand to ensure the best learning environment for each child. Parents will receive daily and weekly photos and updates on what we’re working on in preschool! Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in the Fall and Spring. This is a great time to receive an update on your child’s progress and our instructional team’s upcoming goals for them. If you have questions or concerns at any time, our team is always available to help!
What security measures are in place at your facility?
All doors will remain locked during school hours. Parents will have access to their children at any time by calling our phone number, and a staff member will admit you.
What special events do you anticipate having?
• Open House Celebration to invite all families to tour our classroom and meet their teachers and peers
• Holiday parties & other seasonal events
• End of preschool celebration
• Special visits from First Responders highlighting their job, equipment, and vehicles