TCAPS Preschool Programs

Preschool Programming Information

Scheduling Options

• All locations offer full-day preschool on a five (5), Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,  three (3) Monday, Wednesday, Friday or two (2) Tuesday, Thursday days per week schedule. 
• Half-day programming is not available.

Tuition Fees

• Fees will be based on the schedule submitted at the time of enrollment. Daily fees are charged based on enrollment, not attendance. Vacation days and illness days will not be credited. However, you will not be charged for inclement weather days.

• 2023-2024 Preschool Tuition Fees
• 2023-2024 Montessori Toddler and Primary Preschool Tuition Fees

Preschool Participation Handbook/Additional Forms

• Preschool Participant Handbook
• Montessori Primary Participant Handbook
• Montessori Toddler Participant Handbook
• Health Appraisal Form

Montessori Toddler & Primary Programs

Toddler Program

TCAPS’ Toddler Montessori program is for children, age 18 – 36 months, and is available at TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis. The Montessori methods of education are used with the goal of helping children to develop character, skills, and education. Activities in the toddler program are designed to nurture and empower each individual child. The program promotes development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation. The holistic curriculum allows the child to experience the joy of learning from a very young age. Visit the Toddler Montessori webpage to learn more about the program. Follow the online registration process to enroll your child for the 2023-2024 school year.

Primary Program

TCAPS’ Primary Montessori program, designed for children 3 – 5 years of age, is an exciting preschool/kindergarten program that provides children with an integrated Montessori curriculum. The major areas of learning in the Primary Montessori classroom are: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural Studies which encompasses science, art and geography. Visit the Primary Montessori webpage to learn more about the program.  Follow the online registration process to enroll your child for the 2023-2024 school year.

TCAPS preschool and toddler programs follow the TCAPS district calendar including all half days, early release days, and no school days.

TCAPS Great Start Readiness Program  

Working together to offer quality classroom opportunities to area preschool children. 

Great Start Readiness Program

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a free state-funded preschool program for eligible children who turn four years of age on or before September 1. Children attend school four full days, Monday – Thursday, at select TCAPS locations. Transportation options may be available. Children of all abilities are encouraged to apply. Eligibility is determined at the time of application. 

How to Apply                                                                  

Please complete the pre application form found here:

GSRP Pre Application Form   

or call Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency at 231.346.2116 or 800.632.7334 to begin the application process. 

• View the Great Start Readiness Participant Handbook
• Request for Special Dietary Needs Accommodation Form
   

TCAPS Great Start Readiness Locations*

• Blair Elementary School
• Courtade Elementary School
• Long Lake Elementary School
• Silver Lake Elementary School
• Westwoods Elementary School

*Locations subject to change.

For more information about the program and eligibility criteria, please call 231.933.1734.

2023/2024 GSRP School Year Calendar

Application link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBRREv0bE2pfFNxKmx3WFjuEigbD5caRuY4BvAYpTA5C-lLg/viewform

Headstart Preschool

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) is now taking applications for the 2023-2024 school year for both Headstart and Early Headstart Preschool Programs. 

Children must be 3 or 4 years old by December 2, 2023
 

• Families with children of all abilities are encouraged to apply
• Transportation services may be available
• To complete the pre-application, visit the NMCAA website
• After completing the pre-application, someone from the agency will contact you to schedule a phone interview, within 10 business days.

2023-2024 Registration Timeline

• February 16 - August 4, 2023 - Registration: All interested families are invited to sign up during this time. Families who have completed all required forms will be notified beginning April 3rd of their approval/status. Placement determination will be made maximizing the services provided by the program. A registration fee of $50 per student will be assessed the week of August 7th after placement is approved. Payment instructions will be emailed to families once the registration fee has been assessed.
   
• After August 4th: Registration remains open, however, there is no guarantee your child will be able to begin the program the first week of school. Your child will not be able to begin preschool until after placement has been made and ALL FORMS are completed and verified. A registration fee of $50 per student will apply. Payment instructions will be emailed to families once the registration fee has been assessed.

**Enrollment priority will be granted to those who are maximizing the services provided by the program. Please note: if your child's schedule is reduced drastically from the original schedule requested during the enrollment process, your child may lose their space in the program.

2023-2024 Registration Information

Returning Tuition-Based Preschool Students Montessori Preschool &  Montessori Toddler Students

Returning preschool families can log directly into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and use their child's current access ID information. Required forms to complete include:

1. 2023-2024 Preschool Registration Form, or 2023-2024 Montessori Toddler Registration Form
2. Submit a completed Health Appraisal Form with immunization record prior to August 4th, 2023 in order for your child(ren) to attend the first week of school.
   1. Preschool Health Appraisal forms must have an exam date no more than one year prior to your student’s first day in the classroom for the current school year  
   2. Toddler Health Appraisal forms must have an exam date no more than six months prior to your student’s first day in the classroom for the current school year
   3. Section one must be completed by the guardian with a signature and date
   4. Official immunizations must be attached or written in on page two
      1. If written in a medical representative must sign section three
   5. Physician must sign and date in the appropriate section

New Tuition-Based Preschool Students, Montessori Preschool &  Montessori Toddler Students

Registration Instructions - Click on the link below to submit your child’s registration information. Once this form is completed you will receive an email with further enrollment instructions. Included in the email will be a list of the required forms which must be submitted.

1. Copy of the birth certificate, or affidavit form.
2. Proof of Residency
3. Submit a completed Health Appraisal Form with immunization record prior to August 4th, 2023 in order for your child(ren) to attend the first week of school.
   1. Preschool Health Appraisal forms must have an exam date no more than one year prior to your student’s first day in the classroom for the current school year  
   2. Toddler Health Appraisal forms must have an exam date no more than six months prior to your student’s first day in the classroom for the current school year
   3. Section one must be completed by the guardian with a signature and date
   4. Official immunizations must be attached or written in on page two
      1. If written in a medical representative must sign section three
   5. Physician must sign and date in the appropriate section

Note: Families may upload the documents in their PowerSchool Parent Portal account under FORMS - Document Upload - Upload Documents Here. In addition, the required documents may be emailed to Kelly Gignilliat gignillike@tcaps.net or fax to 231-933-1791. You may also drop off a hard copy at the Tompkins Boardman Administration Office, 412 Webster Street in Traverse City.

New TCAPS Pre-Registration Form

More Information or Registration Assistance

• For more information or registration assistance, including translation, please contact Kelly Gignilliat at gignillike@tcaps.net or 231.933.1759.

Online payments for preschool registration fees and tuition can be paid online via eFunds for Schools. 

eFunds Information

• Access eFunds for Schools to make online payments
• eFunds Registration Instruction Guide

For specific questions about eFunds, please contact Sandy Low (231.933.1797 | lowsa@tcaps.net) or Wes Souden (231.933.1729 | soudenwe@tcaps.net). 

Financial Assistance

DHS childcare reimbursements are also accepted, however, families are required to pay tuition in advance and keep their childcare account paid in full at all times. As DHS reimbursements are received by TCAPS, credits to the childcare account will occur and later appear on the monthly statement families receive at the end of each month.

For additional financial assistance information, please contact the Licensed Child Care Office at 231.933.1759.