Preschool

Early Learning Standards
Iowa has developed Early Learning Standards for children from birth to five.   The Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) will tell you what your child should know or be able to do by the time they reach kindergarten.

PBS Parents
Offers information on child development from birth through the early school years. This site allows you to do an activity search based on which skills you would like your child to be using during the activity. Some of the fun, educational activities offered include: coloring pages, recipes, projects, songs, stories, booklists and E-postcards.  

Adjusting to Preschool
The site provides families information about helping your preschool child adjust to preschool and their new environment.   

Sleep & Your Preschooler
This site provides information on establishing good sleeping habits, bedtime routines, naps and sleeping problems.

Story Time for Preschoolers
Provides information on when and how to read to your child, the best books to buy and strategies to encourage reading.

Talking to Your Child’s Preschool Teacher
Establishing and maintaining an open, clear channel of communication with your child's preschool teacher can lessen many parental concerns.

Recommended Books and Software for Preschoolers
This site provides a recommended list of books and software.

Motivating Your Preschooler to be Active
This site provides strategies to promote physical activity such as play, free time, limited television time and the parent's role in encouraging activity.

Iowa's Quality Preschool Program Standards (QPPS)
These are a set of standards developed to enhance the quality of Iowa’s early care and education programs and to serve as a guide for parents searching for quality preschool for their three and four year olds. 

High/Scope Educational Research Foundation
Offers information on early literacy skils assessment, teaching materials, tips for parents on child development and results from the Perry Preschool Study.

School Readiness
Provides a definition of school readiness, factors that contribute to a child's school success, school responsibilities and helpful resources for parents and educators.

Iowa Head Start Association
This web site provides a list of all 18 Head Start and Early Head Start agencies in Iowa, and contact information.

Getting School Ready in Iowa
A guide for families and early care, health, and education providers caring for children who will be attending kindergarten in Iowa. This guide can be ordered through the Healthy Families Line at ISU Extension. This document is also available in Spanish. To order the document call 1-800-369-2229.