Parent participation preschool and toddler programs provide a unique opportunity for parents to participate in their child's first educational experience. For program locations and more information, please visit www.carlsbadca.gov/carlsbadconnect or consult the current Community Services Guide.

Parent-toddler classes

In the parent-toddler classes, parents attend each day with their child for an introduction to socialization and learn through play experience. Parent discussion topics are presented each day as part of the program.

Toddler class requirements

Parent participates in each class session with child. Parent agrees to assist with bringing snack and paper supplies on a rotating basis. Read the Toddler parent handbook.

Preschool classes

In the preschool classes, we emphasize language development, socialization, problem solving, and school readiness in a nurturing environment. Daily activities include music and movement, art projects, story time, cooking, sharing and indoor and outdoor play. Children will learn about the world from teacher-developed thematic units that include sea life, seasons, zoo animals, and plant life. Field trips are also taken to enhance these learning experiences.

Preschool class requirements

A parent or guardian is required to work two days per month as a teacher's aide and bring snacks on one of those two days. Parents must attend monthly parent education meetings once per session where current information in child development and early childhood education is presented. Kruger House parents must participate in two maintenance days per school year. Read the Preschool parent handbook.

All parent/guardians assisting in the preschool program must be fingerprinted prior to the start of the session.

Fingerprint information

Please contact the Pine Community Center at 442-339-5025 or email Eric Sapp, Recreation Supervisor at eric.sapp@carlsbadca.gov to set up an appointment.

Enrollment

Classes start Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2024. If you are looking to enroll in the 2024-25 school year, please contact Recreation Supervisor Eric Sapp directly.

In order to qualify for priority enrollment, your child must be currently enrolled in a preschool class at the time of enrollment. Open enrollment for the 2024 fall preschool classes will begin on May 21, 2024.

If you have any questions regarding enrollment, please contact the Pine Community Center at 442-339-5025 or email Eric Sapp, Recreation Supervisor at eric.sapp@carlsbadca.gov.

Payment Options

The City of Carlsbad Preschool Program has improved their registration process to simplify payments to cover a full school year, September 2024 to June 2025.

There are two payment options:
1. Pay in full at the time of registration
2. Participate in a monthly payment plan *
*If participating in the monthly payment plan, you must pay for the first month by credit card which will securely be saved in the carlsbadconnect.org software system and will then be automatically charged monthly for eight installments throughout the school year. A full refund can be given if you contact the Recreation Supervisor by Saturday, Aug. 31.

Scheduling a visit

Please contact Brenda Elg, program coordinator at 442-339-2851 or brenda.elg@carlsbadca.gov to set up an appointment at least one week prior to your desired visit date.

• Q&A: Preschool