Preschool

Early Childhood Education: Preschool & Pre-K

Affordable full & half-day sessions. Safe, nurturing, and fun!

Early Childhood Education Centers (ECE) are tuition-funded and licensed early learning facilities available for three-year-old children (preschool at theDeGrazia Elementary, Roadrunner Elementary, Estes Elementary, Gladden Farms, and Picture Rocks Elementary School) and four-year-old children (Pre-K at multiple locations listed below). Children participate in small/large group activities as well as enrichment learning activities that promote development in the arts and large motor skills. The Arizona Early Learning Standards are followed to prepare children for kindergarten.

Licensed by AZ Dept. of Health Services
AZ Dept. of Economic Security Contracted
AZ Early Childhood Learning Standards
Age-Appropriate Engaging Activities
Cognitive, Social, Emotional, and Developmentally Appropriate
Lunch available for purchase
Partners with Quality First program

Preschool: 3-year-old sites:

DeGrazia Elementary
Estes Elementary School
Gladden Farms Elementary (Opening Aug 2025)
Picture Rocks Elementary (combined class age 3-4)
Quail Run Elementary (combined class age 3-4)
Roadrunner Elementary School (combined class age 3-4)

Child must be 3 by August 1, 2025 and must be fully toilet trained. Fully toilet trained means child has to be able to tell someone if they have to go, be able to pull pants up and down, sleeps through the night dry, wipe themselves and no diapers or pull ups.

Pre-K: 4-year-old sites:

Tangerine Farms K-8 NEW!
Coyote Trail Elementary
DeGrazia Elementary
Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8
Estes Elementary
Gladden Farms Elementary
Ironwood Elementary
Picture Rocks Elementary (combined class age 3-4)
Quail Run Elementary (combined class age 3-4)
Roadrunner Elementary (combined class age 3-4)
Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary

Child must be 4 by August 1, 2025 and must be fully toilet trained. Preschool calendar is on the last page of the parent handbook.

Preschool Calendar

All Early Childhood Education Centers follow the MUSD school year calendar; therefore, the program is closed when MUSD schools are closed.

Rates, Enrollment, FAQ's, and More

Fees

Hours

Common Questions About Preschool

What kind of Early Childhood Education program are you?
We are a Preschool (age 3-4) and Pre-Kindergarten (age 4-5) Program. We are a five day, Monday through Friday educational program. We offer full day or half day programs. Our programs use kindergarten readiness curriculum involving hands on activities and learn skills from AZ Early Learning Standards through activities themed to interest children.

May my child attend less than 5 days?
No. Our program goal is to prepare children for kindergarten. It is beneficial to attend preschool every day to get used to a routine similar to one that will happen in kindergarten. We expect children to attend everyday unless they are ill or have a family emergency.

What are the times for preschool?

For Coyote Trail, De Grazia, Estes, Gladden Farms, Ironwood, Picture Rocks, Rattlesnake Ridge Roadrunner & Quail Run there are two sessions available: Fulltime is from 7:45am until 2:00pm, Half day is from 7:45am until 11:30am. Children can start arriving at 7:30am and are considered late after 7:45am. Learning time starts promptly at 7:45am.
For Dove Mountain there are two sessions available: Fulltime is from 8:15am until 2:35pm, Half day is from 8:15am until 12:00pm. Learning time starts promptly at 8:15am. Children can start arriving at 7:45am and are considered late after 8:15am. Learning time starts promptly at 8:15am.

Do you follow the Marana school calendar?
Yes. We follow the Marana School District calendar. Our program is from August to May.

Can preschool children attend LEAP on Fall and Spring Breaks?
Yes. Children who are enrolled in preschool may attend LEAP during these two breaks at specified school due to licensing ages for the sites.

Do you have a summer preschool program?
No. We do not have a summer program for preschoolers but once a child turns 5 they may attend Summer LEAP the summer before they start kindergarten as long as they are attending an MUSD school.

Do children have to take naps?
No. Children are not required to take naps. We offer a quiet time in which children who choose to, may take a nap while the other children participate in quiet activities.

Do they bring a lunch? Do you serve breakfast/snacks?

For fulltime children they may bring their lunch or purchase one from the cafeteria. We do not have access to a microwave or a fridge so please pack food appropriately. There is a cost but you can apply for free or reduced lunches on MUSD website. Parents can purchase breakfast from the cafeteria or bring healthy food for breakfast/am snack.

Does my child have to be toilet trained? Can they wear pull ups?

Yes, all children in preschool and pre-k must be fully toilet trained. This entails being able to pull pants up and down on their own, wiping on their own and being able to recognize when they have to go.
No, children are not allowed to wear pull ups. Children having 3 or more accidents in a week are not considered fully toilet trained and may be asked to go to half day or take a break (we will hold their spot up to a month) to get them fully toilet trained.

Are there scholarships offered in preschool?

Yes, we are granted scholarships from First Things First each year (amounts differ each year). These scholarships are financially based. Just ask when you register and we can get you that information.
We also accept DES.

*If you have more questions, please read the Preschool Parent Handbook or call the ELO office at (520) 616-4506.

Enrollment Information

Enrollment into MUSD ELO Preschools are only available for those that live in Marana Unified School District boundaries.

Preschool Registration for the 2025-2026 school year will begin on Saturday March 8th 2025 at Extended Learning Opportunities Portable building on Coyote Trail Elementary campus at 8000 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743. Sign-ups for a registration time slot will open here on February 3, 2025. Be sure to check back on February 3 to reserve your spot for preschool registrations.

If you live in the district boundaries and want to enroll in preschool it is first come first to enroll. You don’t have to live in the school boundaries just the district boundaries to attend preschool at that school if space is available.

Registration will continue March 10th at Coyote Trail PD Building for ELO office located at 8000 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743. Spaces limited and fill up quickly.

To register for Preschool you must bring:

Registration/Materials Fee (non-refundable) $100.00 (check or money order only)
Current utility bill or lease agreement for custodial parent of preschooler
2 Emergency contact names and numbers
Doctor’s name and number
Copy of child's birth certification and immunization record
Copy of IEP or 504 if child has one

Registration is coordinated by MUSD's Extended Learning Opportunities Office. Please call (520) 616-4506 to make an appointment to register your child after March 8th.