SHELL ROCK -- Plans to add a preschool at Shell Rock Elementary School are moving forward.

School board members last Monday set a registration date of March 4 for the preschool. Shell Rock youth can register that day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. After a 10-day window or after March 14, registration will open up to Waverly families as space allows.

Enrollment will be capped at 22. Children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 15 are eligible.

Micky Bahlmann, principal at Shell Rock Elementary School, said a preschool was one of several goals identified by a task force. Parents have also been asking the district for such a service, officials say.

"We get many inquiries, especially from Shell Rock families," Bahlmann said.

Currently, some parents utilize a private daycare provider or a faith-based preschool for early education and child care, Bahlmann said. District officials feel the community needs another option.

"We are just offering another service to our families," Bahlmann said.

The district plans to hire one early childhood elementary teacher for the preschool, and possibly one associate if needed.

Full tuition is $120 per month. Tuition for families who qualify for reduced lunch, which is based on income, is $60 per month. Tuition for families who qualify for free lunch is $30 per month.

Lunch will be offered to preschoolers at costs based on the school-age hot lunch program fees and income.

Pre-school students will have the option of riding the school bus with older students that are going to and from the Shell Rock attendance center.

For more information, call Principal Micky Bahlmann at the Shell Rock Elementary School at (319) 885-4311.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.