Iron County’s Preschool Program: Preparing Kids For Kindergarten And Social Success

Iron County School District’s preschool program is dedicated to preparing young children for kindergarten through structured learning and social development. Penny Seely, Administrator for Preschools, and Aura Shirley, a preschool teacher, recently spoke on KSUB radio about the district’s preschool offerings and their role in early childhood education.

The district operates three preschool locations: one in Beryl, one at Three Peaks, and another near South Elementary in Cedar City. These preschools emphasize inclusive education, catering to children with a variety of abilities and learning needs. According to Shirley, witnessing students’ growth and development is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. “Each student grows and progresses throughout the year, and it’s amazing to see,” she said.

A primary goal of the preschool program is to prepare children for elementary school, both academically and socially. Seely emphasized that learning to interact with others is crucial for young children. “Three- and four-year-olds are still in their own world, so we teach them how to include everybody,” she explained.

To ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten, the program tracks student progress through preschool snapshots and state assessments. The PEEP assessment, administered at the beginning and end of the school year, helps monitor growth. Additional evaluations are available for children who may need extra support in cognitive, communication, adaptive, social-emotional, and motor skills development.

Preschool enrollment begins at age three, with September 1 as the cutoff date. While attendance is optional, many parents choose to enroll their children for early exposure to structured learning. The program collaborates closely with Head Start, though they operate under different regulations.

The district currently employs seven teachers and a total of 55 staff members across the preschool program, ensuring a strong support system in each classroom. Teachers must hold specialized certifications in early childhood and special education.

Families interested in enrolling their children can find information on the district’s preschool website. Tuition applies to students who do not qualify for special education services, with costs ranging from $80 per month for a two-day program to $160 for a four-day program. Limited grant-funded spots are available to assist families in need.

Preschool sessions run for 2 and a half hours, with morning and afternoon options. Given the high demand, the district maintains a waitlist for enrollment, with students automatically continuing into the next school year if they are already enrolled. More details and enrollment forms are accessible online here.

Get our free mobile app

You can listen to our discussion with Penny Seely and Aura Shirley in the podcast below.