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 24-25 school year. There will be a slight delay in placement notification due to pending state legislation. Notification of placement will be made in the first week of May. Families will receive a phone call or an email.
Thank you for your patience.
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
- Kenwood Leadership Academy
- Maple Grove Elementary School
- Viola Gibson Elementary School
- West Willow Elementary School
- Wright Elementary School
Shared Visions Half-day preschool
Through the Shared Vision Grant, CRCSD is able to offer free 3-year-old preschool at 2 locations: CRA-Taylor and Grant Wood Elementary. Please note, 3-year old eligibility for the program is based on an income qualification criteria being met, that is determined by the Shared Vision Grant.
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
Champions at Truman ECC Program Information and Pricing
View a map of all CRCSD 22-23 Early Learning locations here
Enroll in preschool
Preschool applications for the 2024-25 school year will be accepted starting February 1, 2024. Your student must be 3 or 4 by September 15, 2024, to enroll in preschool for the 2024-25 school year. The first day of preschool will be Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Contact us
If you would like to speak with someone about preschool, please call 319-558-2375 or email earlylearning@crschools.us.