Cedar Rapids Community School District 3- and 4-year-old preschool provides a nurturing environment for young students. Preschool lays the foundation for school success and lifetime problem-solving skills for your child.
Each class is led by a teacher licensed through the State of Iowa in Early Childhood Education, and each classroom is assisted by one or more paraprofessionals. Our program meets Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS). Our teachers use Creative Curriculum which is based on research in child development theory as the foundation of the teaching approach, the learning environment, and the roles of the teaching staff and family. Our philosophy is that children learn best by doing, which requires active thinking and experimenting to see how things work. Our goal is to help children become independent, self-confident learners.
Learn more about preschool transportation eligibility here.
Applications for preschool are now being taken for the 25-26 school year.
Your Child’s Journey Starts Here!
Cedar Rapids Community School District welcomes you to our preschool program that offers innovative early childhood education for your child’s growth and development. We have a place and plan for you at several locations to serve our community for 2025-26.
Registration opens February 28th, 2025
- ONLINE registration starting at 6:00 AM – Link will be here.
- IN PERSON at Truman Early Learning Center from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM with interpreters available
Four-Year-Old – Required documents
- Proof of Birthdate – Child’s birth certificate (not hospital record), passport/visa, physcian’s statement, adoption papers, etc.
- Proof of Residence – proof of address in the parent/guardian name, such as a current utility bill, mortgage paper, or current rental agreement (Not a driver’s license)
You may submit these documents in one of the following ways:
- Email them to earlylearning@crschools.us (a scan or a clear picture works)
- Take them to the Truman Early Childhood Center at 441 West Post Rd. N.W. Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
- Upload them in the registration app
What We Offer – 2025-26 School Year
During registration, you’ll be able to customize your child’s early learning experience with these options:
Program Choice:
- Free Half-day program
- Tuition Based Full-day program $325 per month with Certified Teachers ALL DAY long
- Multiple locations across Cedar Rapids
- Wrap-around care services through our partners Head Start and Champions
- Transportation options where available
Our Nurturing Approach:
- Small Class Sizes for Personalized Attention
- Friendship-Building through Guided Play
- Learning to Understand and Express Feelings
- Creative Expression through Art, Music, and Movement
- Building Independence and Self-Confidence
- Safe, Welcoming Spaces Designed for Young Learners
- Experienced & State Licensed Certified Teachers who Understand Early Childhood Development
“We’re committed to creating magical first school experiences and supporting continued educational growth for every child in our program.”
– Dr. Tawana Grover, CRCSD Superintendent
Your Child’s Journey With Us
- Gentle transitions and routines
- Friendship-building activities
- Hands-on learning adventures
- Creative play and discovery
- Early literacy and math foundations
- Music, art, and movement
Supporting Your Family
- Updates and photos
- Regular parent-teacher meetings
- Family engagement activities
- Parent support network
- Sibling-friendly scheduling
- Multi-child enrollment benefits
“Our program builds on children’s natural curiosity while developing the skills they need for kindergarten success. We understand how to challenge and support each child at their level.”
– Monica Frey, Principal at Truman Early Learning Center
Partners in Your Child’s Success
- Wrap-around care through HeadStart and Champions
- Experienced and Certified teaching teams
- Family support services
- District-wide resources
To register for preschool, please upload the required documents found below through the online registration process with the buttons below. Registration does NOT guarantee a placement/enrollment. Early Learning will follow up with families when students are placed.
2024-2025 Half-day preschool
Half-day preschool is offered Monday through Thursday with two sessions each day. The morning session is 8:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and the afternoon session is 12:50 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Half-day preschool is offered at the following locations for the 4-year-old preschool program, which is free through a Statewide grant:
- CRA Taylor Elementary School
- Grant Wood Elementary School
- Hiawatha Elementary School
- Johnson STEAM Academy
- Kenwood Leadership Academy
- Maple Grove Elementary School
- Viola Gibson Elementary School
- West Willow Elementary School
- Wright Elementary School
2024-2025 Full-day preschool
CRCSD full-day preschool programming is located at Truman Early Childhood Center.
Preschool is offered Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
There is no preschool programming on Friday’s.
CRCSD bussing services is offered to and from a student’s homeschool, available Monday – Thursday. Champions wrap-around services are offered onsite for before school, after school, and/or Friday care. Families can not do both services
Enroll in preschool
Preschool applications for the 2025-26 school year will be accepted starting February 28, 2025. Your student must 4 by September 15, 2025, to enroll in preschool for the 2025-26 school year.
Contact us
If you would like to speak with someone about preschool, please call 319-558-2375 or email earlylearning@crschools.us.