Little Lions Preschool
Ready to Start Preschool? Join the Linn-Mar Lions!
Linn-Mar offers free preschool for children who turn four years of age on or before September 15th of the school year.
Our Little Lions inclusive preschool programming provides a setting in which students of all developmental backgrounds learn with and from each other in an enriching school-based setting. Children will have the opportunity to participate in one year of half-day, four day a week, learning experiences with a focus on social, emotional, behavioral growth while still supporting academics.
Registration for the 2025-26 School Year is now open!
Click here to see Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids are in each preschool classroom?
Little Lions is a fully inclusive preschool. Each classroom consists of children at all developmental levels, and our students are supported with fully-licensed teachers in the areas of early childhood and special education. We carefully evaluate the needs of our students to ensure the appropriate ratio of staff in each classroom. We typically have 16 or fewer students in each preschool class, and each classroom is staffed with one or more teacher associates.
What are the schedules and locations for preschool?
Students may enroll in either a morning or afternoon session in a Linn-Mar preschool program, which are located in 4 of our 7 elementary buildings. All families are welcome to participate at any location, regardless of their neighborhood school.
Little Lions Preschool Half-Day Sessions
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| Morning Session: 8:30am-11:15am Afternoon Session: 12:15pm-3:00pm |
Bowman Woods: 151 Boyson Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Echo Hill: 400 Echo Hill Rd, Marion, IA, 52302 Linn Grove: 2301 50th Street, Marion IA 52302 Wilkins: 2127 27th Street, Marion, IA 52302 |
During the online registration process, you will be asked to provide your top two location preferences. While this information helps us determine class placement, we are unable to guarantee any specific location.
The district evaluates the locations of our programs annually, and the number of sections, the location sites, and daily schedules for preschool programs will be determined by the district after schools have collected the data needed for making these decisions. If locations change after the enrollment process has begun, families will be given an opportunity to update their location and session preferences.
If preschool is only available for half a day, what options are available for wraparound care or transportation for my child?
Linn-Mar receives statewide voluntary preschool program funding which only supports a half- day of preschool programming. Linn-Mar will partner with Hand in Hand to provide optional preschool wraparound daycare services at Linn Grove Elementary for Little Lions preschool students during the 2025-26 school year.
The district also partners with Hand in Hand Preschool for families that would like to enroll in Linn-Mar Lions preschool and also are interested in before or after preschool childcare. All of the Hand in Hand Preschools follow the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards and are led by Linn-Mar teachers. If you would prefer to have your child attend one of the community preschool locations you can review this information and contact them directly at 319-377-5686.
Families looking for additional childcare resources can contact the Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral Center. They may be able to help a family locate a childcare center that may provide before and after preschool care and/or transportation to a Linn-Mar preschool program.
How much does it cost to enroll in Linn-Mar Lions Preschool?
Linn-Mar receives statewide voluntary preschool program funding to pay for these programs, so there is no charge for families to enroll their child in Linn-Mar Little Lions preschool.
My child is not quite four years old, but we feel they are ready for preschool. What is the process for requesting an exception to the age requirement for preschool?
Under Iowa State Law, a child must be age 4 on or before September 15 to enter preschool. The district is unable to make exceptions to this rule since it’s written in Iowa Code.
What curriculum is used to support Little Lions Preschool?
Our program utilizes Creative Curriculum, which is based on early childhood theories and research. It creates purposeful and productive play experiences that help children grow in all areas. The goal of the program is for children to become independent, self-confident, curious learners who work well with others.
Our programs reference the Iowa Early Learning Standards along with Creative Curriculum to make instructional decision making and guide learning.
Linn-Mar’s Early Childhood Program follows Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS).
Who can I contact with additional questions?
You can get more information about our preschool program by reading our Preschool Handbook. You can access it here.
We are happy to help answer any questions you might have about our preschool programs. For additional information please contact Michaela Pirnat, Director of Early Childhood, at 319-730-3627 or via email at michaela.pirnat@linnmar.k12.ia.us .