Wonder Years
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Wonder Years is a free preschool program offered at multiple elementary sites and the four early childhood centers in the Springfield Public Schools district. This program emphasizes language development, literacy, math, and social interaction. Each of our classroom teachers hold a Bachelor's Degree in education and are all certified Early Childhood Teachers. Our paraprofessionals each hold a substitute certificate and/or 60 hours of college credit.
Learn More
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Guardian and Child Expectations
Guardians will commit to sending their child to school every day, all day long (95% attendance is our goal). If the child must be absent, the guardian will notify the school as early as possible. Guardians will keep their child at home if their child is sick (see illness guidelines from your school nurse).
Children will begin to master many skills while in Wonder Years. Some skills essential to success in WY are:
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Walking independently to the restroom and nurse’s office.
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Asking an adult to use the restroom when there is a need (occasional accidents are acceptable).
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Playing independently and with others safely.
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Beginning to identify feelings and use strategies to calm down when upset.
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Communicating wants and needs with others.
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Be responsible for their materials and belongings.
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Navigating a classroom environment with a higher student-to-teacher ratio.
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Eligibility for Wonder Years
This program is available to children living in the Springfield Public Schools attendance area who will be four years old before August 1. Priority will be given to families who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Students who do not qualify for free/reduced lunch will be enrolled based on an academic need through the developmental screening provided by Parents As Teachers.
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Enrollment Process for Wonder Years
- Complete the Early Childhood Interest Form
- Call (417) 523-1333 to schedule a preschool screening or submit a screening appointment request and someone will be in touch with you. Bring your child's immunization record, birth certificate, proof of residency, and parent/guardian photo ID with you to the screening appointment. You will also complete registration paperwork during the screening appointment. Click here to view Missouri preschool immunization requirements.
- Complete the SPS Online Enrollment Form.
If your child qualifies for placement, you will receive an email with further instructions. You will also be notified if they do not qualify.
Click below to access a helpful enrollment checklist.
- Complete the Early Childhood Interest Form
Contact Us
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Wonder Years Office
Shady Dell Early Childhood Center
2757 E. Division St.
(417) 523-1300Screenings: (417) 523-1333