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Preschool and Toddler Programs

Parent participation preschool and toddler programs provide a unique opportunity for parents to participate in their child's first educational experience.

Please select a tab below to find more details about each program.

Please consult the current Community Services Guide for more information.

In the parent-toddler classes, parents attend each day with their child for an introduction to socialization and learn through play experience. Parent discussion topics are presented each day as part of the program. Parents agree to assist with bringing snacks and paper supplies on a rotating basis.

Classes are offered at Calavera Hills and Stagecoach Community Center, and Holiday Park Kruger House or Scout House.


Days, Times, & Locations

Classes run from September through June on a monthly basis.

Parent-Toddler 1's

  • Mondays from 9am-11am at Calavera Community Center
  • Wednesdays from 9am-11am at Calavera Community Center
  • Thursdays from 9am-11am at Scout House
  • Thursdays from 9am-10am at Stagecoach Community Center

 

Parent-Toddler 2's

  • Tuesdays from 9:30am-11:30am at Calavera Community Center
  • Wednesdays from 9am-11am at Scout House
  • Wednesdays from 9:30am-11:30am at Calavera Community Center
  • Thursdays from 9:30am-11:30am at Calavera Community Center
  • Thursdays from 10am-12noon at Stagecoach Community Center 
  • Fridays from 9am-11am at Calavera Community Center 
  • Fridays from 9am-11am at Scout House

The City of Carlsbad's Preschool program is an exciting, fun and enriching experience for young children, ages 3-5.  We emphasize language development, socialization, problem solving, and school readiness in a nurturing environment.  Daily activities include music and movement, art projects, story time, cooking, sharing and indoor and outdoor play.  Children will learn about the world from teacher developed thematic units that include sea life, seasons, zoo animals, and plant life.  Field trips are also taken to enhance these learning experiences.

We are a parent participation preschool and enjoy having parents as part of the program. A parent is required to work approximately once per month and bring snacks once per month. While working in class as teacher's aides, parents learn through observation and guidance from teachers, how children learn best in a developmentally appropriate preschool program. Parents must attend monthly parent education meetings once per session where current information in child development and early childhood education is presented. Kruger House parents must participate in two maintenance days per school year.

Classes are offered at Calavera Hills and Stagecoach Community Center, and Holiday Park Kruger House.


Days, Times, & Locations

Classes run from September through June on a monthly basis.

Preschool 3's

  • T,Th from 9am-11:30am at Kruger House (Room 1)
  • T,Th from 9am-11:30am at Kruger House (Room 2)

 

Preschool 3's & Young 4's

  • M,W,F from 12:30pm-3:30pm at Kruger House (Room 1) 

Preschool 3's & 4's

  • T,Th from 9am-12noon at Calavera Community Center
  • T,Th from 9am-12noon at Stagecoach Community Center

 

Preschool 4's

  • M,W,F from 8:30am-11:30am at Kruger House (Room 1)
  • M,W,F from 8:30am-11:30am at Kruger House (Room 2)
     

Pre-Kindergarten

  • M,W,F from 12:30pm-3:30pm at Kruger House (Room 2)

 

The Parks & Recreation Department also offers other programs during spring/summer breaks for ages 3-5.  Please visit the Traditional Pee Wee Camps page. 

The City of Carlsbad's Preschool and Toddler programs do run during summer, however due to the high number of summer camps we are only able to offer a select number of classes that will be held at Kruger House at Holiday Park.  These classes go fast so register early. Registration begins in May.

 

Toddler 18-36 Months

Developmentally appropriate activities are provided through sensory exploration, hands-on learning and physical development.  Child must be 18 months by 7/1/12 to participate in this class.

Instructor: Paige Dominguez (June 26/28 - July 24/26)

  • Tuesdays from 9am-11am at Kruger House (Room 1) for Res$58 / Non Res$68
  • Thursdays from 9am-11am at Kruger House (Room 1) for Res$58 / Non Res$68

 

Preschool 3's (29M - 3Y)

A variety of experiential learning activities inside and out.  Cooperative play and independent problem solving are encouraged.  Child must be 3 years old by 12/1/12 to participate in this class.

Instructor: TBD  (June 26 - July 26)

  • T,Th from 9am-11:30am at Kruger House (Room 2) for Res$135 / Non Res$145 

 

Preschool 4's (41M - 4Y)

A variety of experiential learning activities inside and out.  Cooperative play and independent problem solving are encouraged.  Child must be 4 years old by 12/1/12 to participate in this class.

Instructor: Katharine Prescott (June 25 - July 27 *Close on July 4)

  • M,W,F from 9am-12noon at Kruger House (Room 1) for Res$218 / Non Res$228 

 

Pre-Kindergarten (46M - 5Y)

Child must be entering kindergarten by Fall 2011 to participate.  This class focuses on preparation for Kindergarten.  Age appropriate activities will focus on skill building and socialization.  Child must be 5 years old by 12/1/12 to participate in this class.

Instructor: Laurie Miller (June 25 - July 27 *Closed on July 4)

  • M,W,F from 9am-12noon at Kruger House (Room 2) for Res$218 / Non Res$228 

 

The Parks & Recreation Department also offers other programs during summer for ages 3-5.  Please visit the Traditional Pee Wee Camps page. 

Winter/Spring 2012 Registration

Classes are currently underway, if you would like to register for a class please contact the facility that the class is held at and they can help you get signed up.

 

Summer 2012 Registration 

Registration starts in May 2012 for summer classes. Please contact the Harding Community Center to sign up. 760-602-7510.

 

Fall 2012 Priority Registration 

Registration for the Preschool program year running September

2012 through June 2013 will be accepted by mail only. Online

registration is not available for the Preschool program.

Students enrolled in the Preschool program during the prior

program year (ending June 2012) will have the opportunity to

remain in the program for the 2012-2013 program year if they

re-enroll by the priority deadline given for each session.

 

Deadlines

Registration forms must be postmarked by the dates indicated

below. Registrations received postmarked prior to each deadline

will be held and not processed until the end of each registration

period. Overnight mail will not be accepted (i.e. Federal Express,

Express Mail, etc.). Registration will be taken on a first come, first

served basis as received by the postman.

 

*Exact dates will be released soon.

Parent-Toddler 1’s

  • Carlsbad residents May 9 - June 5
  • Open registration June 6 - Sept. 1

 

Parent-Toddler 2s

  • Carlsbad residents currently enrolled in Parent-Toddler 1’s, May 9 - May 15
  • Non-residents currently enrolled in Parent-Toddler 1’s, May 16 - May 22
  • Carlsbad residents not enrolled, May 23 - June 5
  • Open registration, June 6 - Sept. 1

 

Preschool 3’s

  • Carlsbad residents May 5 - June 5
  • Open registration June 6 - Sept. 1

 

Preschool 3’s & 4’s (Combo class only)

Preschool 4’s, Young 4’s and Pre-Kindergarten

  • Carlsbad residents currently enrolled in Preschool 3’s, May 9 - May 15
  • Non-residents currently enrolled Preschool 3’s, May 16 - May 22
  • Carlsbad residents not enrolled, May 23 - June 5
  • Open registration, June 6 - Sept. 1

 

Mail-in registration only

Complete a registration from and return to:

Harding Community Center

3096 Harding Street

Carlsbad, CA 92008

 

IMPORTANT

  • Use a separate form for each child.
  • Make sure to provide all information requested; incomplete forms will not be accepted.
  • Include first session fee with your form. Submit one check for each class requested, payable to City of Carlsbad. MasterCard and Visa are also accepted.
  • Birth date requirements will be strictly enforced.
  • Class notification will be made by mail only. Please do not call to see what class you received; we will send a receipt.

  

Continuing Enrollment (Priority Registration)

Classes are offered in four-week sessions to provide affordability to

all families. Participants must register in advance for each four week

session in order to maintain continuing enrollment in the program.

The registration deadline for continued enrollment is the third week

of the current session. Participants who do not register for the next

session by the third week of the current session will lose their space,

and it will be given to the next person on the waiting list. Payment

must be made prior to attending class. To check future class

availability please contact any of the preschool locations.

 

How the Waitlist Works

Once classes are filled a waiting list is established. CARLSBAD

RESIDENTS WILL HAVE PRIORITY. Nonresidents will be called after

exhausting all possibilities for Carlsbad residents. All entries will be

made to the list in the order received. The only time a name would

be passed over is if a preschool class is not gender balanced and we

have to search for the next child for the gender needed. The waiting

lists will be valid from the Fall 2012 enrollment through May 2013.

At that time they will be discarded and a new list started for the Fall 

2013 enrollment. When we call you from the list you will have 24

hours to respond; otherwise we will assume you are not interested,

remove you from the list and proceed to the next person.

  

Refund Policy

Once registered for Fall 2012, refunds will be given only if we receive

notice of your cancellation prior to August 1, 2012 AND we are

able to fill your spot from the waiting list. If we are unable to fill

your space no refund will be given. All refunds granted will be

processed minus a $20 processing fee per person, per class. 

Contacts

Michael Bodman- Parks & Recreation Supervisor
760-602-7527
Michael.Bodman@carlsbadca.gov
 

Brenda Elg-Program Coordinator
760-434-2851
Brenda.Elg@carlsbadca.gov
 

Locations

Calavera Hills Community Centerget directions
2997 Glasgow Dr.
760-602-4680

Kruger and Scout House (Holiday Park) – get directions
3251 Eureka Pl.
760-602-7510

Stagecoach Community Centerget directions
3420 Camino de los Coches
760-602-4690

 

Fingerprint Information

Please contact Michael Bodman to set up appointment at least 1 week prior to your desired appointment date.  Please note that fingerprints can only be taken on Mondays and Fridays from 9am-11am or 3pm-5pm. The prints will be taken at the Safety Center, 2560 Orion Way, Carlsbad CA.

Please bring 2 of the following forms of ID:

  • Driver's License
  • Birth Certificate
  • Valid Passport
  • Military ID

Please bring both forms filled out (these forms will be given to you):

  • Request for Live Scan Service Application
  • Supplemental Questionnaire 
     

Schedule a Visit Information

Please contact Brenda Elg to set up appointment at least 1 week prior to your desired visit date.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

Parks & Recreation Department 
Recreation Supervisor 
Michael.Bodman@carlsbadca.gov
760-602-7527

Parks & Recreation Department
Preschool and Toddler Program
brenda.elg@carlsbadca.gov
760-434-2851

Harding Community Center
760-602-7510
3096 Harding St.
Carlsbad, CA 92008