Welcome, early learners! WEM offers many programs for children in the years leading up to entering kindergarten. Learn more below, and contact the school to get involved.

Little Bucs Preschool (formerly called Kindergarten Connection)

WEM offers a preschool program that is based out of Waterville Elementary. Hanna Richardson and Alyssa Hanson teach the Little Bucs Preschool classes. Our program offers two, 4-day afternoon classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for students 4-5 years old and two, 3-day morning classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for children 3-4 years old. Our 4's class works on building Kindergarten readiness skills such as number and letter recognition, shapes, art-making, fine motor skills, colors, and many other academic and social-emotional skills. The 3s class focuses on facilitating social interactions, and routines, as well as beginning academic skills such as colors and shapes. 

Our goal for preschool is to create a safe, caring learning environment with plenty of engaging experiences for students. We provide a developmentally appropriate, hands-on curriculum that focuses on play as a way to learn new skills and concepts. Our goal is to provide for diverse needs in the program and give your child a solid foundation before starting Kindergarten. This program coincides with the WEM school year.

If you have questions, please contact Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Hanna Richardson.

Little Bucs Preschool 2023-24 Registration Now Open
WEM Little Bucs Preschool registration is now open for the 2023-24 school year. One class is offered for 3-year-olds, one for 3- and 4-year-olds, and 2 classes for 4- and 5-year-olds. The 3s and 3/4s classes will be offered in the morning from 8:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, while the 4s and 5s classes will be offered in the afternoon from 12:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Register on the WEM Community Education website by clicking on "WEM Early Learning." 

Early Childhood Family Education

WEM Early Childhood Family Education classes, taught by Mrs. Flavia Berg, offer opportunities for children ages 2-5. Held in Waterville in the preschool classroom, ECFE provides a great opportunity to become familiar with the preschool classroom before starting school. We provide activities that stimulate your child's growth and development while allowing parents to become partners in their child's learning. Join us for fun, engaging activities with a hands-on approach! ECFE classes are offered weekly from 6:00-7:30 for 6-9 sessions in fall, winter, and spring. Dates are posted on the ECFE page of our website as they become available.
 

More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education website. If you have questions, please contact Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Hanna Richardson.

Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing, developing, and learning. Screening at age 3 is preferred, but a child may be screened between the ages of 3 and the start of kindergarten as required by law. At the appointment, a trained professional will check:

• Vision and hearing
• Height and weight
• Immunizations (shots)
• Large and small muscles
• Thinking, language, and communication skills
• Social and emotional development

At WEM, we typically offer screening for students three times per year in the fall, winter, and spring. More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education website. If you have questions, please contact School Nurse, Amber Karels.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration sometimes referred to as Kindergarten Roundup, is typically held in the spring. It is for children to enroll in kindergarten for the next school year. Children are eligible to enroll if they turn 5 years of age by September 1 at the start of the school year. See also the WEM Enrollment page for all ages. If you have questions, please contact Principal, Bobbie Jo Bastian.