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USD320 Wamego

Engaging in the Present to Prepare for the Future

PRE-K PROGRAM / CHILD FIND

Pre-K Information

Central Elementary Preschool has experienced staff committed to providing the highest-quality early learning experiences, while increasing access with state and federal grants. School days in session are aligned with the USD 320 District Calendar.

Preschool hours are Monday through Thursday

  • AM Preschool (Age 3 by August 31st) – 8am to 11am
  • PM Preschool (Age 4 by August 31st) – 12pm – 3pm

Friday afternoon sessions are currently in the planning process but are not yet finalized.

Tuition payments are due on the first of each month.

  • Month of August: $150
  • September – May: $200 / month

Tuition discounts are available for qualifying At-Risk students, Special Eduation students, and USD320 employee’s students.

Click here to complete an application **This is not enrollment and does not secure a spot**

  • Applications open for the 2026–2027 school year
  • Deadline for priority placement: April 15
  • Limited spots available – Apply early to secure consideration
  • Waitlists will be created once sections reach capacity​​​​​​​

Please contact Central Elementary for more information or assistance with the application process.

  • Preschool hours are Monday through Thursday

    • AM Preschool (Age 3 by August 31st) – 8am to 11am
    • PM Preschool (Age 4 by August 31st) – 12pm – 3pm

    Friday afternoon sessions are currently in the planning process but are not yet finalized.

  • Tuition payments are due on the first of each month.

    • Month of August: $150
    • September – May: $200 / month

    Tuition discounts are available for qualifying At-Risk students, Special Eduation students, and USD320 employee’s students.

  • Click here to complete an application **This is not enrollment and does not secure a spot**

    • Applications open for the 2026–2027 school year
    • Deadline for priority placement: April 15
    • Limited spots available – Apply early to secure consideration
    • Waitlists will be created once sections reach capacity​​​​​​​

    Please contact Central Elementary for more information or assistance with the application process.

Kansas State Department of Education At-Risk Criteria Include:

  • Poverty
  • Single-parent household
  • Referral from DCF
  • Either parent is lacking high school diploma or GED
  • Limited English proficiency
  • Lower than expected developmental progress in at least one of the following areas:  cognitive development; physical development; communication/literacy; social emotional/behavior; adaptive behavior/self-help skills
  • Child qualifying for migrant status
  • Child experiencing homelessness

Child Find Information

Please review the following Frequently Asked Questions for more information on Child Find Screening Program. Child Find is a component of Individuals with the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who are in need of early intervention or special education services.

Please contact Mackenzie O’Brien for more information at 785-456-9195.

  • A screening is a series of short tasks and professional observations in various developmental areas. It can help to address concerns that you have about your preschool child’s learning, speech, physical development, or behavior.

    The purpose is to let us know if we need to complete further evaluation of the child’s development.

  • The Child Find screening is for children ages birth to 5 years of age and is adjusted to your child’s age.

  • The Child Find team may include a speech/language pathologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, preschool teacher, a psychologist, and a dental and vision professional.

  • A summary will be given to you prior to your departure. The Preschool Special Education team (teachers, psychologists, speech therapists, and social workers) will review screening information and make team recommendations. Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, no further intervention needed, or needs to be rescreened, or needs to be referred for a comprehensive evaluation.

  • If your child’s performance falls within age- appropriate limits, no further follow-up would be suggested.

    If a child has some difficulty in one or more areas, we may give ideas of things to do at home. We will sometimes suggest that we check in with you at a later date to monitor progress.

    If your child has more significant difficulty in one or more areas, further evaluation may be suggested. If further evaluation is recommended, it can be completed by our team. As with the screening, there is no charge for this.

  • The purpose of the evaluation is to see if your child shows a significant delay in their development that would impact their ability to learn and determine if they may be eligible to receive school district services.