Preschool

​ "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me...." Mark 9:37 ​

Our Program

Children learn best through engaging play experiences. Immaculate Conception Catholic Preschool provides fun, play-based learning opportunities all throughout the day.  Students engage in free choice center activities as well as small and large group activities with their teachers and enjoy plenty of outdoor play time. Our preschool is contracted with DES, licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and we are proud to be a Five Star Rated Quality First preschool.    

Our staff is made up of Early Childhood professionals who are knowledgeable and passionate about developmentally appropriate teaching practices in a Catholic preschool setting. Our staff truly understands that each child is unique and special and is capable of making a powerful, positive contribution to their school community and beyond as a beloved son or daughter of God.

Enrollment

Preschool Enrollment Process

• Complete and submit the Preschool Application Packet online or pick up a copy in our school office.
• Submit all required documentation listed on the application via email to the Director at jill.barteau@iccs-k8.org or drop off in the main office.
• Pay $50 registration fee in the main office, or you may call the office at 928-649-0624 to pay by credit card.
• Once all information and fees are received, you will be contacted by the Preschool Director to schedule an interview.
• After the interview, you will receive an email notifying you of your child's application status.

Parent Partnership Policy

 As the Catholic Church teaches, we believe that parents are the first and primary educators of their children. Therefore, as our teachers guide students in using appropriate behaviors in accordance with our Catholic faith at school, we expect that our families will teach and reinforce these behaviors at home. This partnership between families and teachers is necessary to help ensure a positive, Christian learning environment for all students. By enrolling your child at ICCS Preschool, you are agreeing to this partnership.

There will be a 30-day evaluation period, beginning on the first day of attendance, in which our staff will observe your child in the following areas:

1. Child separates from parent/guardian with minimal distress.
2. Child uses behaviors that are safe for themselves and others.
3. Child is able and willing to follow simple directions from teachers and staff.
4. Child demonstrates they are consistent and independent in toileting.
5. Child is respectful of staff, students, and materials.
6. Child is able to participate in daily routines within a group setting.

 If a student is observed to have difficulty in any of the above areas, a team meeting with the family will help to determine the appropriate support for the child.

Tuition Assistance

DES Child Care Assistance:

ICCS Preschool is a DES contracted preschool. Your first step in the tuition assistance process is to apply for the needs-based DES Child Care Assistance program through the DES website. If you have applied and have not qualified for this program, we will then consider one of our other scholarships.  Click on the link below to learn more and to apply for DES scholarship assistance.

Apply for DES Child Care Assistance

Quality First Scholarships

Immaculate Conception Catholic Preschool is proud to be Five Star Rated Quality First preschool. Quality First Scholarships are needs-based and are available in a limited number for those who qualify.  If you have not qualified for DES Childcare Assistance, contact the Preschool Director to apply for a Quality First Scholarship. Applications for the 2024/25 school year will be available in mid to late April.

ICCS Preschool Scholarship Program

This scholarship program was created for families who have a financial need, but do not meet the income requirements for either DES Child Care Assistance or Quality First. Please contact the Preschool Director for more information or to be considered for this scholarship.

Social/Emotional Development

Social/emotional learning is critical during the preschool years and, therefore, is our number one priority.

In our Preschool program we teach:

• Friendship skills
• Emotional regulation
• Problem-solving in social situations

Healthy social/emotional development begins with nurturing, caring relationships between children and the adults in their lives.

Our preschool uses the Pyramid Model positive behavioral support system to support social/emotional development in our students.

Click on this link to view our behavior expectations:               

•  Classroom Behavior Expectations
•  Outdoor Behavior Expectations

Resources for Families

Do you have questions about behaviors that your preschooler is exhibiting?  The Backpack Connection Series has answers! This series of helpful articles is presented by The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations. The topics covered in this series cover issues such as helping children cope with fears, handling anger, speaking so that your child will listen, following directions, and so much more! Click on the link below and click on Backpack Connection to view this resource.