TCAPS Preschool Programs
About TCAPS Preschools
Licensed all day and half-day programs for children ages 3 to 5 years of age are provided in a safe, nurturing environment. Our facilities include a school library, gymnasium, playground, and cafeteria.
Activities in the preschool programs address each child’s individual developmental needs, with the emphasis on literacy and language development. Children will engage in music instruction, arts and crafts, creative games, science and nature projects, computers, productive play, and rest. Children will also receive social, physical, emotional, and intellectual stimulation throughout their day.
All TCAPS Preschools Offer:
- Creative Curriculum, with a focus on literacy and language development
- Personalized learning unique to each child’s developmental abilities
- Qualified, caring, and experienced staff
- Full and half day options
TCAPS preschool programs operate the same calendar and hours as the regular school program.
Preschool Registration Information
2018-2019 Registration Timeline
- January 10 - Current preschool families may begin registering for the 2018-2019 school year. You will need your child's current access ID/ password in PowerSchool.
- January 11 - Pre-registration process opens for siblings of current students and new students. This process is to
request a registration access ID/password ONLY. You will need this information prior to registering your child for preschool. - February 7 - Sibling registration opens.
- February 21 - New family registration begins
- March 7 - Estimated date TCAPS will begin notifying families on enrollment status.
Scholarships and Reduced Tuition Options
Scholarships and Reduced Tuition Options
One-time, partial scholarships are available to qualifying families. Eligible families must complete a 
scholarship application and qualify for free or reduced lunch. Families who qualify for free preschool programs through Head Start or the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) will not be eligible for scholarships.
A reduced tuition option is available to those families who enroll their child five full days per week and who are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program. Eligible families must complete a reduced tuition application and can submit it at any time. Reduced tuition status is not available retro-actively and will be applied at time of eligibility determination.
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.
Please contact the TCAPS Early Childhood Office at 231.933.1759 for questions regarding scholarships and reduced tuition.
Paying Online Through e-Funds
The online extended day registration process is completed through the 
PowerSchool (Parent) Public Portal. Before starting the registration process, you will need to have your child's unique PIN number which can be obtained from your child's school office.
PowerSchool Public Portal Information
E-Funds Information
For additional registration information contact the Early Childhood office at 231.933.1759 or gignillike@tcaps.net.
Preschool Locations & Contact Information
| Central Grade School 301 W. Seventh Street Sarah Hartwig, Manager 231.933.5931 Diane Dillon, Manager 231.933.5930 |
Cherry Knoll Elementary School 1800 Three Mile Road Carrie Donovan, Manager 231.933.8958 Lucy Bryce, Manager 231.933.8977 |
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Courtade Elementary School
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Eastern Elementary School 1600 Eastern Avenue Deb Feaster, Manager 231.933.5641 Julie Brott, Manager 231.933.5640 |
| Long Lake Elementary School 7600 N. Long Lake Road Megan Niezgoda, Manager 231.933.7839 |
Oak Park 301 S. Garfield Kelly BeVier, Manager 231.933.8665 |
| Silver Lake Elementary School 5858 Culver Drive Shawna Walter, Manager 231.933.3598 |
TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis 1009 Oak St. Liz Sievers, School Admin. Asst. 231.933.5860 |
| Westwoods Elementary School 1500 Fisher Road Paula Sandtveit, Manager 231.933.7911 Gina McPherson, Manager 231.933.7910 |
Willow Hill Elementary School 1250 Hill Street Mary Kolle, Manager 231.933.8561 Diane Rizor, Manager 231.933.8583 |
For More Information
For more information on program locations, fees, or to enroll, please call the Early Childhood Department at 231.933.1759.
Additional Preschool Options
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.
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.