PreK, Early PreK, and Child Care

Fueling Your Child’s Natural Desire to Learn

Kaune is a warm and welcoming place for children 0–5 years old. Our educators start with a foundation built on relationships and social-emotional learning. We support children in developing the skills they need to work, play, and interact with other members of our school community. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach® to learning, educators create classroom environments that promote curiosity, exploration, and discovery—igniting a lifelong love of learning. Our program is nationally accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which ensures programs meet ten standards of high-quality early childhood education.

In 2023, we opened two toddler classrooms serving children 1-3 years old. The infant room, serving babies 6 weeks to one year old, will open in August 2024. Expanding our services will further prepare our youngest learners for success in school and in life and will provide peace of mind to parents and caregivers who work to support their families.

 

With limited infant and toddler care spots available, we prioritize slots to families currently receiving services through Growing Up New Mexico (Great Start, Home Visiting, Bridges to Opportunity, and siblings of current PreK/Early PreK students). Families who are eligible to apply will receive an update from their assigned Coach, Home Visitor, or Teacher and will receive the application link directly when it is available. After the application period, a lottery will be held.

Early Learning Center at Kaune Philosophy

We Believeeach child is unique in their experiences, strengths, and perspectives of the world around them. 
We Recognizethat a child’s family is a critical component in their development.
We Engagechildren by speaking their language.  Our Dual Language classrooms aim to provide instruction in both English and Spanish evenly throughout the day. 
We EmbraceAnti-Bias curriculum which celebrates all differences. Children are encouraged to be active and curious in their own learning and development.
We Careabout creativity. Our classrooms are bright, spacious and include dramatic play, science, blocks, a writing center, book/library area, creative expression and art, math, manipulatives, music, sensory enrichment, and hands-on exploration. All children play outdoors on age-appropriate playgrounds which incorporate organic materials and nature play.
We Are Inspiredby the Reggio Emilia Approach®, which recognizes children’s natural desire to learn through discovery, experimentation, and exploration. Our educators work alongside children as they build upon these interests to develop classroom projects and areas of study.
We Knowthat when a child’s joyful curiosity is ignited early, that flame endures even when they are challenged. Valued as strong, competent, and resilient learners, young children who come out of our Reggio Emilia-inspired program emerge prepared for success in school and life.

Application Details and Deadlines

The Early Learning Center at Kaune PreK and Early PreK Program is now accepting applications for children 3 – 4 years of age for the 2024-2025 school year. Children must turn 3 or 4 years old before September 1, 2024. All applications must be submitted before April 30, 2024 to be entered into the lottery. Any applications received after this date will be added to the wait list in the order they are received.

Some applicants will be given priority status in the application process. One-third of all available spaces will be filled by priority applicants. After one-third of all spaces are filled, the remaining applicants within the priority pool will be added to the rest of the applications for the final lottery. Priority status DOES NOT guarantee a spot in our program.

Priority status is applied to:

· Children/Families who are currently participating in our programs and have been active for at least one year, such as Great Start, Home Visiting, Bridges to Opportunity, or Family, Friends & Neighbors

· Children who have a sibling who previously attended the Early Learning Center at Kaune

The lottery will be drawn on May 3, 2024. Families will receive notification of the lottery results by May 17, 2024. Each family is responsible for keeping their contact information current.

If your child is selected to attend Kaune, you will be contacted by phone.

If your child is NOT selected to attend Kaune, they will be placed on the wait list and will be sent a letter by mail.

Staff will attempt to contact a family twice. After two attempts, staff will note that the family has declined enrollment and will not call again.

Note: A new application is needed for every school year. If your child is placed on the wait list, you must complete a new application for the following school year to be considered for the lottery.

Contact Us: prek@growingupnm.org or (505) 303-3950

For the Infant and Toddler Care application CLICK HERE.

Application for ELC at Kaune PreK and Early PreK Program

This application is NOT for our toddler classrooms. Please do not fill out this application if your child will not be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2024.

I am applying for School Year:(Required)
I am applying for (Please check all that apply):(Required)

ECECD Childcare Assistance is accepted! Other financial assistance may be available if there is a demonstrated need. A member of the Kaune office team will contact you upon receipt of your application to confirm placement on our lottery/wait list. They will be available to discuss all payment options at that time.
Child's Legal Name(Required)
Children must turn 3 or 4 years old before September 1, 2024.
My child will be:(Required)
Home Address(Required)
Parent/ Guardian Name(Required)
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Parent/ Guardian Name
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Alternate Contact Name(Required)
Have you had any other children attend PreK at the Early Learning Center at Kaune?(Required)
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Has this child participated in any of the following programs our organization offers?
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At age 3, did your child attend another Early Childhood Program?(Required)
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Does your child have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.