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Early Childhood

Three Early Childhood students smiling with the middle one giving a thumbs up

 

Olathe Public Schools is committed to laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning by offering a variety of programs for children from birth to age five. Families can choose from a variety of options such as Parents as Teachers, Head Start and Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education, each designed to support early development and prepare young learners for success in school and beyond.

Apply for Early Childhood

About our Programs

Early Childhood

We utilize state grant funding to provide free and reduced-fee preschool opportunities to qualifying families. Families who do not meet the criteria for free preschool pay a $200 monthly tuition to attend. Criteria for grant-funded preschool include:

  • Family qualifies for free lunch
  • Single parent families
  • One parent was a teen parent at time of child's birth
  • Parent lacks high school diploma/GED
  • Family speaks a language other than English
  • Child is in foster care
  • Child is homeless

All families who meet the following requirements are encouraged to apply:

  • Child is three years old by August 31 and is NOT eligible for kindergarten (five years old by August 31). 
  • Family resides within the Olathe Public Schools boundary OR Head Start service area (Gardner, Edgerton, Blue Valley, DeSoto, Spring Hill)

For more information please contact:
Email Kim Hawkins, Director of Early Childhood, or call 913-780-7413
Email Shannon Leeds or call 913-780- 7341

Head Start

Head Start is the longest-running national school readiness programs in the United States. Using a “whole child” model, Olathe Head Start is designed to increase kindergarten readiness and socialization in children ages 3 to 5. This is accomplished through a rich preschool learning environment, combined with social-emotional wellness, health, nutrition, crisis intervention and family engagement services. This program is based on income eligibility, utilizing income guidelines set by the federal government..

Learn more about Head Start

For more information please contact:
Email Kathy Hess, Head Start Enrollment Coordinator, or call 913-780-7418

Developmental Screenings

If you think your child has a developmental delay, the district can complete a developmental screening. Screenings include developmental testing for all areas (cognition, motor, social, communication, and adaptive). 

Learn more about developmental screenings

Olathe Parents as Teachers

PAT helps promote optimal early development, learning, and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers through home visits, playgroups, screenings, and resources.
 

Learn more about Olathe Parents as Teachers

Frequently Asked Questions about Early Childhood