Early Learning Essentials has a center that offers preschool services in Spanish Fork! We serve children ages 3-5 that qualify for our program. Because our program operates from grants and donations, our preschool program is free for qualifying parents. We have classes at a few different time slots, some half day and some full day, and we do our best to work with parents to find the best fit for them and their child. 

Where is Our Spanish Fork Preschool?

Early Learning Essential’s Spanish Fork preschool is located at 614 S Main Street, Spanish Fork 84660, which is just across the street from the rodeo grounds, and right next to the Landmark High School. Although we have a main street address, our center is a ways off the main road.

How Do I Qualify?

When determining program eligibility we compare before-tax income to the income guidelines which depend on family size issued each year by the Federal government.  “Family” includes all individuals related to the child’s parent by blood, adoption or marriage who are currently living in the home and are supported by the income of the child’s parent or guardian. 

Families that are at or less than the federal gross income level for their family size are income eligible for our program. Some children who are slightly above these income guidelines (up to 130% of the guideline) may be accepted if there are still spots available after all income eligible children are enrolled.

Income Guidelines

What is Unique About Early Learning Essentials in Spanish Fork?

At Early Learning Essentials in Spanish Fork we focus on preparing children for kindergarten focusing on the whole child. So that children are ready to learn, we teach them skills to self-regulate their emotions by understanding emotions in themselves and in other children. We recognize that school is a journey, and your preschooler is just getting started. Our focus at Early Learning Essentials in Spanish Fork is to help the child and parents gain the skills necessary to succeed for years to come.

Why is Preschool Important?

Preschool is the first step to a life of learning. By attending our Spanish Fork Preschool, children will be setting the foundation for lifelong learning. It will be their  first exposure to twelve or more years of schooling. Here at Early Learning Essentials in Spanish Fork, we teach children the foundational skills needed  and the basics of attending school to be successful. Children learn the importance of attending school every day, they learn to share, how to make friends, and learn important skills for life moving forward.

ELE Preschool Prepares Children to Transition to Kindergarten

Here at Early Learning Essentials, each day is another step closer to kindergarten. By attending Preschool in Spanish Fork your child will have a head start above those who do not attend preschool . Children at Early Learning Essentials have a balance between academics and playtime as well as a balance between outside play and indoor instruction. Additionally, we have a great relationship with the Nebo School District, and work hand-in-hand with them to make sure your child has a successful transition into their kindergarten program. Early Learning Essentials is more than just childcare, it is a high-quality preschool learning environment. 

Preschool vs. Child Care

Attending a preschool is the first step in engaging your child in the academic, creative, and curiosity filled learning they will have in the years ahead. Preschool prepares children by engaging them in learning that is age appropriate and fun! Preschool is more than just child care, it is the first step in education and it shapes the rest of their lives. 

While we don’t encourage parents to treat our preschool service like a daycare, having children in class does provide more flexibility for parents during the day. At Early Learning Essentials we encourage the whole family to learn, progress, work, and we are thrilled if having your child enrolled makes that more of a possibility. Additionally, we have a team of Family Advocates that provide social  services and can work with you to help you achieve your family goals as well.

Head Start Preschool Services in Spanish Fork

One of the many grants received by Early Learning Essentials is a Head Start grant. This is one of the ways that we ensure that qualifying parents are able to receive free preschool education services for their children. 

FAQ

Our program receives a federal Head Start grant and community donations to subsidize the cost, so our services comes at no cost to eligible families!

Please click apply to speak to a Family Advocate to see if you qualify.

Children must be 3 or 4 years old by or on the school cutoff date (September 1). That means that if your child will turn 5 before or on September 1 of the school year for which you are applying they will need to register for Kindergarten. If your child turns 3 after September 1 you can apply on or after their birthday.

We can accept an application for a 2-year-old if he/she will be 3 before or on Sept. 1 of the school year for which they are applying.  If they will turn 3 after Sept 1, you can complete an application for them as soon as they turn 3.

When determining program eligibility we compare before-tax income to the income guidelines which depend on family size issued each year by the Federal government.  “Family” includes all individuals related to the child’s parent by blood, adoption or marriage who are currently living in the home and are supported by the income of the child’s parent or guardian.  

Families that are at or less than the listed gross income for their family size are income eligible for our program. Some children who are slightly above these income guidelines (up to 130% of the guideline) may be accepted if there are still spots available after all income eligible children are enrolled.

The Head Start program we are funded to operate was created to serve children and families based on their need.  That means that families at or below the federal income guidelines and children with Individual Education Plans (IEP) are enrolled first.  However, if we continue to have enrollment spots open after income eligible children are accepted, we then offer those spots to children from families that are slightly above the income guidelines (up to 130%) with the greatest need.

Children who have an IEP may be considered for enrollment independent of the family’s income. Placement at one of our centers will depend on the decision of the IEP team which includes the parents.

If your family’s income is above federal income guidelines and you are concerned that your child may have a disability, please complete an application. The Family Advocate will include the concern in the application notes. Once the application is reviewed by a Mental Health and Disability staff member they will contact you to help you determine if an evaluation would be appropriate.

Being a recipient of Food stamps doesn’t mean your child is automatically eligible—Federal Head Start income guidelines which we are required to use are different than for other programs. The surest way to know if you are eligible is to complete the application and meet with a Family Advocate. You can begin your application and set an appointment.

You can still fill out an application. We can discuss the requirements more fully with you when you meet with a Family Advocate to address your specific situation. You may begin your application and set an appointment with a Family Advocate.

Our school schedule aligns with that of most school districts. The school year begins in August and ends in May. We have open enrollment and accept children throughout the school year when spots are available until mid-April. You may begin your application and set an appointment with a Family Advocate.

We have several different schedule options at most centers.

  • Morning session (3 ½ hours) Monday – Thursday starts at 8:00 or 8:30 and is out by 11:30 or 12:00;
  • Afternoon session (3 ½ hours) Monday – Thursday starts at 12:00 or 12:30 and is out 3:30 or 4:00.

An Extended day schedule is available at most of our centers.  

  • Monday – Thursday (6 ½ hours) from 8:00, 8:15 or 8:30 until 2:30, 2:45 or 3 pm with early out on Fridays (4 ½ hours).

An application isn’t complete until you’ve met with a Family Advocate and turned in your income information and your child’s birth certificate. Please call 801-375-7981 to set an appointment with a Family Advocate.

If you’ve done all of that and still haven’t heard anything, please call the Family Advocate you met with to find out the status of your child’s application.

Yes. The application must be resubmitted yearly per Head Start requirements. We will not need to reverify your income eligibility if your child completes the school year and you were income eligible for the current year.

February 1. We take applications for a school year from February 1 to January 31.

Everyone that applies to our program goes on a waitlist to be considered for enrollment.  Placement on the waitlist is not based on first come-first served. It is need-based and depends on the family’s and child’s individual needs as determined during the application process.

During the summer months, we enroll the children with the greatest need first to start in the fall.  Then, as enrollment spots become available during the school year, due to children moving or otherwise leaving the program, we enroll the next child on the waitlist with the greatest need.  We reevaluate and fill our open spots twice a month during the school year.

Yes, that’s exactly what it means. Depending on your family and child’s individual needs you may be placed on the waitlist before someone who applied before.

We have limited transportation for our Nephi center only and we assist families by providing a list of parents willing to carpool, so you can plan for transportation if needed.

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