Preschool & Prekindergarten FAQ

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    Many of the topics addressed here are also addressed in the 2024-25 Parent Handbook. Please download and save a copy for easy reference!


    Prepare In Advance

    • Please read through the Community Education Preschool and Prekindergarten website, as well as our Parent Handbook (linked above) for important details before you register at our Eleyo registration website.
    • If you haven't already, create your Family Profile now to make the registration process quicker. This profile will include the registration contract owner/payer (usually parent or guardian) as well as the attending student(s).
      • If you already have an Eleyo account for Before & After Care, Summer Camp, or Enrichment classes, you just need to add your incoming preschooler(s) to your account.
      • NOTE that creating a profile is not a registration.  Creating your family account now will help to expedite the registration process by having your account already established in the system. You will be asked for some of the same information during the application process as part of the emergency information form required by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS).
    • Submit each student's required documentation
      • Current immunizations record
      • Copy of birth certificate
      • If applicable, a copy of any court-issued custody papers
        • This is only required when you have custody papers.
        • Check NO on the registration questionnaire if you do not have court-issued custody papers.
        • Checking YES in the registration process without this documentation will delay your contract approval.
        • Community Education does not have access to any records you may have on file at your home school for any of your children.
      • Submit documentation.  Please include the following on the subject line:

    Age and Readiness Requirements

    Early Learning Center (Toilet Training is NOT required) (One location)

    • The 2-Year Old Program is for our youngest learners.
      • Must reach the age of 2 by first day of school (7/31/24).
      • A child reaching the age of 2 between July 31 and August 31 may begin attending once they have reached this birthday. Credit will not be given for missed days.
    • The 3-Year Old Program is for students who have reached the age of 3 by August 31.

    Preschool (Toilet Training IS required)

    • The 3-Year Old Program is for children between the ages of 3-5
      • Must reach the age of 3 as of the first day of school (7/31/24).
      • A child reaching the age of 3 between July 31 and August 31 may begin attending once they have reached this birthday. Credit will not be given for missed days.
      • Depending on the location, a 3-year preschool program may consist of children ages 3-4 or 3-5 years old.
      • Child MUST be fully toilet trained.

    Prekindergarten (Toilet Training IS required)

    • The 4-Year Old Program is for children between the ages of 4-5.
      • Must reach the age of 4 by August 31.
      • Child MUST be fully toilet trained

    Applicable to All Programs

    • Credit will not be given for missed days.
    • Children turning a qualifying age between September 1 and December 31 will be subject to assessment once they have reached this age, and prior to entering a program.
    • A child assessed into a program as stated above is only eligible to return to the same program the following year.
    • A child who is assessed early into Prekindergarten is not automatically eligible for early entry into Kindergarten. Please visit Early Kindergarten Testing for information on early entry Kindergarten. All other eligibility requirements must be met as well.

    General Education Preschool and Prekindergarten Program Information  

    New Family Registration

    • 2024-2025 Registration is now open online at deervalley.ce.eleyo.com.
    • Parents should learn within 3-4 weeks the class location where their child has been placed.
      • Our goal is to approve contracts as quickly as possible to provide peace of mind with your confirmed placement.
    • Missing or incorrect information or documentation will delay all contract approvals, or may void your pending approvals.

    Returning Family Registration

    • As in the past, returning families (families who are currently enrolled, and in good standing, in a Community Education Preschool or Prekindergarten program) will have an opportunity to register early for siblings and/or returning students. 
      • Please prepare early for siblings (see "Prepare In Advance" above).
    • Returning families should learn within 1-2 weeks where they have been placed.
    • One full month plus the registration fee will be due upon contract approval-- we cannot defer this payment.
    • Information regarding early registration will be made available through your child’s instructor.
    • All returning family contracts are subject to eligibility verification before approval.
    • If an eligible returning family misses the early registration deadline, they will be required to wait for open registration beginning February 9th.
    • One full month of tuition plus the registration fee will be CHARGED at the time of contract approval for all registrants.
      • When your contract is approved, you are notified of class placement via your email payment receipt.
      • This also applies to new and returning families-- the first month cannot be deferred.
    • As in the past, both the first month’s tuition and the registration fee are NON-REFUNDABLE.
    • All classrooms will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, providing all required information and documentation has been received. 
    • You will be asked to provide a second and third choice of class placement in the event your first choice is not available.
      • We will make every effort to place students in their first choice location.
      • If your first choice is not available, you will be placed in your next available choice, whether second or third.
      • You will have an opportunity to opt out of a second and/or third choice at the time of registration, if you so desire, and ask to be wait-listed. This may cause you to lose your place at alternate choice locations.
    • Failed payments must be corrected immediately to maintain your enrollment status.
    • All remaining monthly fees will be placed on an automatic payment plan debit/credit card and will be charged on the first of each month, September through May.

    Other Information Required

    A listing of the questions you will be asked when applying for Preschool/Prekindergarten is available here.  We hope you will use this tool to help you prepare for registration so that you know what information will be required of you during the process.  There is space on this form to make notes, and we have included some useful tips (highlighted in yellow) in areas where we often find incorrect or missing information.  We want this process to be as easy as possible for you in view of the information we are required to collect.  This form is a preparation tool for your use only and is not a part of the registration. 

    Space Availability

    There are many facets involved, and our staff works actively and diligently to review, process, and approve contracts as quickly as possible.  Due to the nature of this program and the approval process, we cannot answer inquiries regarding the availability of space at any certain location, especially during peak registration times.  There is adequate space between all of our programs to accommodate all registrants.  

    Registration Contracts

    • A separate registration contract is required for each child.
    • Registration contracts will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
    • Avoid delays for everyone by preparing early (see "Be Prepared In Advance" above).
    • A registration contract will only be approved when we have received:
      • Complete and correct information on all required application questions
      • Current copy of immunizations
      • Copy of child’s birth certificate
    • Failure to provide all of the above will result in a contract request remaining in a pending status, and your place in line will be forfeited after 24 hours from when contact was made or attempted (voice mail/email), and will be deleted after 2 weeks with no response.
    • Missing or incorrect information or documentation causes delays for your contract approval, as well as those of other families awaiting approval.
    • A separate registration is required for Wrap Around/Extended Care hours at our high school locations (Boulder Creek, Mountain Ridge, Sandra Day O'Connor).

    Tuition and Fees

    One full month of tuition plus the registration fee will be CHARGED at the time of contract approval for all registrants and is non-refundable.  

    Tuition and Fees

      • General Education Preschool and Prekindergarten Tuition Rates
        • Registration Fee
          • $50 per child, non-refundable
        • Half Days
          • $432 per month tuition for HALF DAY. First month is non-refundable.
          • Five days per week
          • Monday through Friday
          • Morning or afternoon (see Start & Dismissal Times for specific times)
          • Based on annual tuition of $4,320.
        • Full Days
          • $720 per month tuition for FULL DAY. First month is non-refundable.
          • Five days per week
          • Monday through Friday
          • All day (see Start & Dismissal Times for specific times)
          • Based on annual tuition of $7,200.
        • Early Learning Center (Community Education Building)
          • Three-Year olds
            • $305 per month tuition. First month is non-refundable.
            • Three half-days per week
            • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
            • Mornings (8-10:45 AM)
            • Based on annual tuition of $3,050.
          • Two-Year olds
            • $280 per month tuition. First month is non-refundable.
            • Two half-days per week
            • Tuesday and Thursday
            • Mornings (8-10:45 AM)
            • Based on annual tuition of $2,800
        • Extended options
          • $168 per month morning (a.m.) extended care, available at high school sites.
          • $168 per month afternoon (p.m.) extended care, available at high school sites.
          • $168 per month extended mid-day, meal not included (lunch, recess, rest period).

     

      • Gifted PreKindergarten Academy at Las Brisas
        • Full Day: $792/month
        • Click here to see if your child qualifies.

    Additional information:

      • One full month plus the registration fee is due at the time of registration and is non-refundable.
        • The balance of payments is due on the 1st of each month.
        • Nine remaining payments are due from September through May.
        • Monthly tuition will be invoiced on/about the 25th of the month (this day will vary if it falls on a weekend, holiday, or during break).
        • Payments will be on an automatic payment plan and will be charged on the 1st of each month to the credit card account provided by you.
        • Tuition rates are based on an annual fee, payable in ten equal installments.
        • Short months are not pro-rated, and missed days are not credited.
      • Other Fees
        • $30 fee for each change made to enrollment after registration
        • $30 late payment fee
        • $15 plus $3 per minute for late pick-up
          • Excessive late pick-ups (3 or more) will result in dis-enrollment.
      • Discounts
        • 10% multiple child discount (on second child) in a Community Education Preschool program.
        • 10% DVUSD employee discount (will not be combined with other discounts).
        • Discounts are taken on the student with the lowest fees.

    Orientation and Meet the Teacher

    • You will be contacted by your child's instructor who may request you to sign up online for a specific time which will provide you and your child an opportunity to meet the teacher, complete a brief student assessment, and to become familiar with the campus and staff that will be working with your child.

    Financial Assistance

    DES Assistance

    The Department of Economic Security (DES) may have funding available for low-income families who would like to utilize the program. Contact your local DES office to find out more information on how to apply. Processing can take up to 30 days. Families already receiving DES assistance must contact their caseworker in advance before attending a different site. This is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the child for whom benefits are being provided. Failure
    to obtain prior approval for a different site can result in DES not paying for your care, in which case you are liable for the charges incurred.

    IMPORTANT - If you are eligible to receive financial assistance from the AZ Department of Economic Security (DES), you will be responsible for the following:

    • Your daily co-pay as determined by DES
    • Any difference between the daily rate that is subsidized by DES and our daily rate
    • Submit the required documentation

     

    Scholarships

    A limited number of scholarships may be awarded through the Quality First Scholarships Program each July for the new school year. More information will be provided once it becomes available to us.  A student who qualifies for a scholarship will have their first month's tuition credited (less the co-pay) after their scholarship is approved.  All other terms apply.