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Merrill Area Public Schools has several options for 3 and 4 year old children to get started on their journey into learning. Which program best fits your child depends on several factors. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you make the choice that is best for your child and family. Below are questions that we will ask and may help you understand more about the options that are available. The links provided on this webpage explain a little more about each program and may also help you in making a decision.
Will your child be four years old by September 1st?
All children who are four by September 1st are to encouraged to enroll in our MAPS 4K (four year old kindergarten) program. There are three community sites where MAPS 4K is offered; Parkside Preschool, St. Francis Church, and New Testament Church. These are public school options and therefore not religious based. MAPS 4K is also offered at Pine River School for Young Learners if your child meets the income guidelines for Head Start or is eligible for special education services offered through the Early Childhood program.
Three year old children are eligible to attend Pine River School for Young Learners if they meet the Federal income guidelines for Head Start or they are eligible for special education services through the Early Childhood program. Children are eligible for Head Start and Early Childhood as soon as they turn three even if it is in the middle of the school year. Unfortunately if your three year old child does not qualify for Head Start or the Special Education programming, Merrill Area Public Schools does not have other programming that is offered at this time.
Will your child qualify for MAPS Head Start?
Families of 3 and 4 year olds who meet Federal income guidelines and complete application requirements may enroll in the Head Start scholarship program at Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL). Those who qualify and enroll receive meals, snacks, family activities, extra family support and most importantly, an engaging and enriching learning experience.
Will your child qualify for MAPS Special Education Services?
Merrill Area Public Schools offers special education services for children ages 3-5 years old who have been identified with a special educational need. Services are provided in speech, language, motor, adaptive, social and/or cognitive development. Special Education services are provided in the child’s least restrictive environment which is determined by all members of the IEP team including parents. The options for services may include the child’s day care setting, their home, their 4K setting, or the Head Start Early Childhood setting at PRSYL. If you have concerns about your child’s development, you may contact Pine River School for Young Learners or MAPS Central Office.
Still have questions?
Merrill Area Public Schools has a highly-trained staff to strengthen and enrich each child’s experience. In collaboration and cooperation, all of these programs (4K, Head Start and Early Childhood-SPED) work together to provide what each learner needs to be successful in Kindergarten and beyond. The best programming for your child may be a combination of these programs and we will work with you to make sure that every child is offered the educational resources they need to learn and succeed. For more information, you may call Pine River School for Young Learners at 715-536-2392 or MAPS central office at 715-536-4581.
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