FULL-DAY PRESCHOOL

We offer year-round, affordable education and quality day care for your 3-, 4- or 5-year-old potty-trained child.

Preschool is held at the Lancaster Rec Center, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fees are based on weekly attendance. We are closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The Lancaster Rec Preschool has attained the Star 4 level in the state Keystone Stars quality child care initiative, the highest rating for a child care program. The Star standards evaluate staff qualifications, professional development, program environment, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management. Click for more details on Keystone Stars.

Our guiding philosophy is that children learn best through meaningful play. Our curriculum focuses on hands-on, child-driven activities with the staff guiding and supporting your child to the next level of his or her development.
The Preschool creates its own weekly lesson plan. A daily schedule is posted to let you know when your child eats breakfast and lunch, and participates in physical activity, circle time, small group learning and self-directed centers. If your child stays the entire day, he or she takes an afternoon nap and receives a light snack. When you pick your child up, the staff shares general information with you about your child's day and any special news you need to know. You also get a "Happy Gram" that communicates individual details about your child's day.

We offer wrap-around care for children who attend the School District of Lancaster Elm Avenue Early Learning Center and Head Start. Transportation to and from the Lancaster Rec Center is provided for children from Elm Avenue. Parents of children who attend Head Start need to contact Head Start to arrange transportation to and from the Lancaster Rec Center.

Subsidized care is handled by Child Care Information Services. Call 393-4004 for details. You cannot register online if you are applying for CCIS. If you are applying for CCIS, you must print out and return the forms listed below.

Or you may register by printing out and returning the forms listed below. All information must be filled in completely to process your registration. Children entering Kindergarten and 6th grade must have a physical completed by a physician within the last calendar year. Children in all other grades must have a copy of a completed physical form on file with Lancaster Rec.

Preschool Registration Form

Physical/Health Assessment Form

Emergency Card

Important Information:

Children's Services Family Handbook

2011-12 Fee Schedule

Contact Awilda Lopez at 392-2115, x138 or Yahaira Acevedo at 392-2115, x127 for more information. You are welcome to schedule a visit to our Preschools anytime.