ECE Pre-K FAQ

The Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) program utilizes the Creative Curriculum for Preschool which is also used by the OPS ECE Pre-K Programs. The Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive early childhood research-based curriculum that focuses on: Project-based investigations as a means for children to apply skills. The curriculum features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills while fostering development of the whole child through teacher-led, small, and large group activities.

Yes! Your Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) Teacher has a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in education and a valid NE Teaching Certificate with appropriate endorsement(s) (Early Childhood).

The child(ren) enrolled in our program must be four years of age by the first school day of the school year they are attending. If your child(ren) does not turn of age until after the school year has started, upon availability, we will add additional children to the program.

Parents must fully complete the registration form online at opsfkidsclub.org, pay the $75 registration fee, provide a copy of the child(ren)s birth certificate, current immunization records, and proof of address (i.e., utility bills). The child(ren) MUST BE toilet trained, must not require restroom assistance, and must have age-appropriate hygiene skills prior to entering the program. The child(ren) will also be required to participate in 90 minutes of quiet/nap time per school/consolidated days.

Families will receive childcare services before/after school from 6:30am until the start of the school day and after school until 6:00pm. Children are provided breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack.

Yes. We offer care in the Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) room starting at 6:30am until the beginning of the school day and from the end of the school day until 6:00pm. Children must be picked up on time (no exceptions!) by 6:00pm. A $15 late fee will be added every 15 minutes that a child has not been picked up. Three or more excessive late pick ups will result in termination from the program. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!

Yes. The weekly tuition rate guarantees your spot in the Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) program, and we DO NOT offer part-time services. Once you are selected and accept the spot for your child(ren) this is considered a commitment for the current school year.

No. The registration fee is non-refundable and is required for administration to process your request.

Yes. You have the option to select your first, second, and third choice of your preferred school.

No. We strive to provide services to all the families who register for the Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) program. However, applying does not guarantee that your child will be selected.

Once forms are received, applications are given to the designated schools Principals. From there they give priority to two things: neighborhood families and families who have children currently enrolled in their school. Then, once that is completed a lottery selection takes place. The final selection for the remaining openings is given to families that are outside of the neighborhood and outside of the OPS school district. Families will receive an acceptance packet and parent-handbook once the selection process is complete.

Yes. We will be sending out letters stating that you were not selected for the program.

Yes! If your child is selected but we do not have available openings at the school of your choice, we will offer you a spot at the closest school with available openings.

No. During Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring recess parents DO NOT pay for tuition.

Yes! We offer Consolidated Days for all currently enrolled Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) students; this is a service that provides care from 6:30a-6:00p on specific non-school days. NOT ALL non-school days have consolidated days. Consolidated Days are offered on specific days during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring recess and these days are NOT included in the regular tuition during Thanksgiving/Winter/Spring Recess. It is offered at a separate cost of $50 per day and is non-refundable.

Picotte Elementary School is our designated parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) program site for Consolidated Days and is staffed by OPSF employees from the various schools that host Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) classrooms.

Yes! Breakfast and snacks are always provided by OPSF during all scheduled consolidated days. Parents MUST provide lunch for their children during Winter & Spring recess. Lunch is provided on certain non-school days as indicated in the parent handbook.

Yes! Children are required to have 90 minutes of quiet time or nap. Parents will need to provide a blanket for their child(ren) on these days.

You can go to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation website at opsfkidsclub.org and click on the ‘Register Here’ tab. That will take you to our Parent Pay Pre-K (ECE) website where you are able sign up your child(ren). You can also submit all the necessary paperwork upon registration at the bottom of that page.