MAPS Preschool & Voluntary PreK

• Preschool Registration Program Guide-English
• Preschool Registration Video - Spanish
• Preschool Registration Video - Somali

MAPS Preschool

• Fee based program for children ages 3-5.
• Age eligible by September 1
• Scholarships available by application

 

Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK)

• Voluntary pre-kindergarten was established by Governor Dayton and the 2016 Minnesota Legislature to prepare children for success as they enter kindergarten the following year.
• Mankato Area Public Schools was granted funding.
• To be eligible for this free preschool program you must reside within Kennedy or Washington Elementary boundaries
• Child age 4 by September 1
• Cannot be age eligible to attend kindergarten (5)
• Transportation is available for those who qualify

 

ACES - Early Learning

• This option is only available to students registered for a 3-4's class at the Center for Learning (located at 15 Map Drive, Mankato)
• Complements the preschool day, giving families the option for a half day or full day experience
• Programming offered 5 days a week
• Follows MAPS preschool calendar
• ACES is a fun, educational + recreational child care program
• Activities provide a balance between structured + unstructured play, both indoors + outdoors
• For ACES registration help: 507.387.5501 or aces@isd77.org

MAPS Preschool Fees

$25 non-refundable registration fee. Program tuition is based on the class.
2 day per week class, 3 hours per day…$972 per year (or 9 monthly payments of $108)
3 day per week class, 3 hours per day..$1,188 per year (or 9 monthly payments of $132)
4 day per week class, 3 hours per day..$1620 per year (or 9 monthly payments of $180)

Payments are due on the 1st of each month, September through May. You will be invoiced prior to the beginning of the month. Invoices are sent electronically through your ELEYO account. Autopay is available.
Tuition not paid on time will be charged a $15 late fee.

A two-week notice is required if you wish to no longer have your child enrolled in the MAPS preschool program.

Inquire about scholarships and reduced tuition at time of registration.
An application and proof of income are required. 

*Please allow 2 weeks for application processing and confirmation notification.

Click links below for helpful orientation information!

• 24-25 MAPS Preschool Student Calendar
• Preschool Family Handbook 2024-25 
• Classroom Supply List

Curriculum
The Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies -Covers the developmental areas of social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, math, science, social studies and the arts. The classroom environment is setup to facilitate learning through hands on, play based activities.  Teacher directed learning in small and large group instruction times. The curriculum aligns with the Minnesota Early Learning Standards and MAPS practices for Kindergarten transitions. Curriculum- Objectives for Development and Learning- parent packet

Pyramid Model -Social Emotional curriculum for Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
Building a classroom community and promoting peer relationships, social skill building , and positive behavior guidance are the main focus of the strategies used.  Pyramid Model (social/emotional) information sheet- parent packet

Assessments/Screeners
Our tools are researched based and used for lesson planning and individualized teaching.  These assessments allow us to provide data for students transitioning into our MAPS Kindergarten classrooms.
TSG Gold- Ongoing observation based assessment that partners with the Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives. This assessment is used program wide.

Curriculum information packet

Pencil grasp- parent packet
Alphabet Printing- parent packet

Why quality preschool and early care is important?

• Early years are critical to brain development.
• The brain builds itself through sensory experiences which causes connections between cells in the brain (called synapses).
• The more senses involved in learning and the frequency of the experiences make for solid connections…better understanding.
• Movement is critical to brain activity. Hands-on experiences activate the brain.
• Music enhances brain development, especially with math skills.
• Play builds the brain! Play is a child’s work! Play based learning is foundational at MAPS!
• Now is the time to help build brain connections!