Early Education
At Kenosha Unified, we recognize that the foundation for lifelong learning and success begins with a solid early education. The early years are crucial for developing essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and communication. That’s why we offer various early education programs designed to nurture and inspire your child’s growth.
Our 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) program provides young learners with an enriching start to their educational journey through high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction. Kenosha Unified offers half-day 4K programming in nearly every school and some local daycare centers. This flexibility allows families to choose the best fit for their schedule and needs. Whether you prefer a traditional school setting or require wraparound child care services, our certified educators ensure that each child receives high-quality instruction that sets the stage for a lifetime of learning.
Kenosha Unified also offers Head Start and Early Childhood to 3- and 4-year-old children who meet eligibility requirements. These initiatives support children with special education needs and families who meet certain income criteria. By providing these resources, we ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop and thrive in a nurturing educational setting.
Following 4K, Kenosha Unified supports academic development with full-day kindergarten programs. Families can choose their boundary school or explore districtwide options, including choice and charter schools. We understand that each child is unique, and our diverse offerings empower families to find the learning environment that best aligns with their child’s needs and family priorities.
Every Early Education classroom follows the Creative Curriculum System® for Preschool for instruction and incorporates Second Step® to address social/emotional growth in preschool children. In our program, play-based learning is not just a fun approach to school, it is a stepping stone to a long, successful academic career. Certified, highly qualified educators focus on teaching math and literacy skills while also focusing on the supportive development of social and emotional skills each day. Classrooms are multi-age where 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds work together in one room and may have children from a variety of programs in one room.
Additional programs, such as Second Step, or community resources may also be paired with the academic offerings of our Early Education program to ensure students and families are fully supported. Examples of this may include helping families access health and dental care, among others. Overall, the goal is to engage families early to help children achieve long-term success in school while also strengthening family-school partnerships that support students’ academic careers.
Rhonda Lopez
Principal of Chavez/Head Start Director
rlopez@kusd.edu
262-359-6316
Programs
- 4K Program: Serves families with children who are 4 years old on or before Sept. 1
- Head Start: Services families with children who are 3Â and 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 by providing resources and community outreach
- Early Childhood (EC): Serves families with students who have special needs
| Program | Ages | Fees | Must Qualify | Location to Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K | 4 yrs. old | • Purchase school supplies Material fee. Meals (If serving & not free/reduced) • Milk for snack • School activities |
Must live in school attendance boundary or attend one of our many partner childcare centers. Our partner centers (Almost Home Academy, Here We Grow Academy, Kid’s Castle, Library Square, Growing Green) provide Kenosha Unified’s 4K curriculum for a half day and childcare before/after to meet your family’s needs. If you choose to send your child to one our partner centers, you will need to pay for the before/after childcare that is provided. | Attendance Boundary School or Eligible Childcare Centers |
| Head Start | 3 & 4 yr. olds | • No fees charged to families that qualify | Must meet Federal Income guidelines | Chavez Learning Station – 6300 27th Ave. Kenosha 262-359-6081 |
| Early Childhood | 3 & 4 yr. olds | • School supplies • Material fee • Meals (if served & not free/reduced) • Milk for snack School activitiesEXCEPTION: Child could also qualify for Head Start so all fees would be waived. |
Disability must be identified & determined through an IEP Team evaluation and meet the criteria to receive these services.
(Sp. Ed. Dept.) |
Attendance boundary school |
| Speech Impact | 3 yr. olds | • No fees • Milk for snack • School activities |
Must be determined through an IEP Team evaluation to have an identified disability & meet the criteria to receive these services. | Chavez Learning Station 6300 27th Ave. Kenosha 262-359-7683 If interested in having child evaluated. |