The West Bend School District community-based 4K program is an optional, high-quality program offered at no cost to families who live in the West Bend School District attendance area. There is a material fee for the 4K program with the amount to be determined by the West Bend School Board. The WBSD community-based 4K program will be taught by certified teachers and promote early reading and math skills, language development, and social/emotional growth to help prepare all children for success. 

Children in the WBSD who are at least four years of age on or before September 1, 2024, are eligible to enroll in the WBSD 4K program. Other Questions? See our FAQ
 

Our Mission

To provide a 4K experience that:
• Honors the spirit of preschool children
• Emphasizes active learning through play & developmentally appropriate experiences
• Facilitates early learning skills, language development and social/emotional growth in order to prepare all children for kindergarten success
 

WBSD Community Approach to 4K

• WBSD and community agencies create partnerships in order to provide an optional public 4K experience  to all eligible students
• 4K classrooms will be located at partner schools throughout the community
 

Why a community approach?

• Creates the opportunity to provide unique experiences to children in a variety of settings
• Allows families more convenient access to childcare and minimizes transitions for children
• Builds collaboration between the WBSD and partner agencies in order to promote high-quality early education throughout the community
• Creates opportunities to share resources across partner schools who support preschool-age children
 

What will students learn?

Focus on the Wisconsin Early Learning Model Standards using a ‘developmental’ curriculum:
• Foundations for Learning
• Social and Emotional Skills
• Cognitive Skills
• Early Literacy Skills
• Early Math Skills
 

4K Schedule

• Half-day program operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week
• Three hours per day
 

Site Selection and Assignments

• We will work to honor parental requests for site selection, but the WBSD cannot guarantee that all requests will be granted.
• Site Selection Requests will be prioritized based upon:

1.Students who currently attend the partner school for childcare

2.Students who require wraparound childcare at a partner school

3.Students who require special education services

4.Date & Time of enrollment!

• Families will be contacted if their site preferences cannot be honored
• Site assignments will be communicated to families beginning in late April
 

Childcare- Before and After School

• Flexible childcare is provided at most partner schools
• Childcare spots are limited and not guaranteed to 4K participants
• Information about childcare options is available in the lobby
• Childcare arrangements are made between families and the childcare center
• Payment for childcare services are made directly to the childcare center
 

Special Education

• Students who qualify for special education can receive their IEP services at 4K sites
• Services may include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education services, etc.
• Individual student needs will be considered by IEP teams
• Consult with your child’s special education teacher or speech-language pathologist regarding the best educational placement for your child if they have an IEP
• Health plans will be followed within 4K classrooms
 

Transportation

• .5-mile walk zones
• Parent or childcare provider must meet student(s) at bus stop
• 4K staff will meet students at school and accompany students into school
• Transportation from non-partner childcare centers