Early Childhood Education

Department Overview

The Ferguson-Florissant School District is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of Early Education. For more than 35 years, the District, in partnership with the state of Missouri, has worked with Early Education experts to develop programs that have been adopted statewide and now serve as national models.

The strong support of the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education and the Administration's commitment to early childhood education make it possible for the District to offer families the following programs:

Vision

Within the Ferguson-Florissant Early Education Program, it is our vision that all children will be successful learners who are caring, creative and confident. Recognizing and understanding that parents are a child's first teacher, we believe that developing positive partnerships between home and school is crucial to ensuring children gain the confidence and skills needed to be successful learners in preschool and throughout K-12.

Mission

The Ferguson-Florissant Early Education Program is dedicated to partnering with families to inspire a love of learning in all children.

Contacts

Contacts

Important Phone Numbers

Preschool

Parents as Teachers

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Head Start

Ferguson Florissant Child Development Centers

Follow FFSD Early Ed on Facebook!

Links and Resources

We know learning starts long before kindergarten—and we’re here to support every step of the journey. Whether you're building your child’s love of reading, working on early math skills, or just looking for fun, brain-boosting activities at home, we’ve gathered some great resources to help.

Early Education Programs

Parents as Teachers

PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT) is a free parent education and family support program serving families through pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. The Ferguson-Florissant PAT program is recognized as an Affiliate, meaning model services are delivered with fidelity.

There are four main components of the program:

Personal Visits: Degree certified parent educators support families with preparing for each stage of their child's development. Personal visits are individualized to meet the needs of each family, covering child development, parenting skills, family well-being and more.
Group Connections: Events that allow families to enhance their parenting knowledge and share experiences while engaging in fun activities with their child and other families.
Developmental Screenings: Annual developmental and health screenings are available for all families.
Resource Network: Parent educators help families access needed community services that are beyond the scope of the Parents as Teachers program. Free diapers are provided in partnership with St. Louis Area Diaper Bank and free books are provided to families.

This free program is available to all families who choose to participate!

Our Parent Educators
Parenting Resources

Our Parent Educators

Parenting Resources

Vroom: a free resource that provides research-based information and activities. There is a free app, website or texting options.

Conscious Discipline: free parenting resources that provide information and strategies around behavior and social-emotional development.

Community Resources: a comprehensive list of resources, searchable by zip code.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: FREE books every month for every child under 5 years old in the state of Missouri. Register here!

Contacts

Contacts

Emily Chu

Parent as Teachers Coordinator
314-824-2076
echu@fergflor.org

ShaVonda Byrd

Parents as Teachers Office Professional
314-824-2077
Sbyrd@fergflor.org

Enroll in PAT

Enroll Here

Inscríbase aquí

Waitlist Status

We currently have a waitlist. However, we want everyone who is interested to enroll! You can expect to hear from our intake coordinator within 6-8wks of enrolling. Families are always welcome at our events while waiting!

Preschool (Ages 3 & 4)

Preschool at FFSD

How Do I Enroll?

The first step in the enrollment process for preschool is to schedule a free developmental screening for your child. To do so, send an email to earlyed@fergflor.org. You can also click the QR code on the below flyer. After your child is screened, you will be placed on to a waiting list for one of our Preschool programs. You will be contacted following your child's screening if a spot should become available.

Early Childhood Special Education Program- Early Childhood Special Education is provided to students three to five years of age with identifed delays in the below areas:

Communication Development (speech and language)
Physical Development (fine motor and gross motor)
Cognitive Development
Social or Emotional Development
Adaptive Development

Speech, physical and occupational therapy services are provided to students who qualify. Developmental delays are identified through a diagnostic evaluation. Early Childhood Special Education classes are located within our seven (7) PK-2 buildings. Students meet half days either morning (3's) or afternoons (4's). Transportation is provided by Ferguson Florissant School District for those who qualify.

Preschool Program- Our integrated Preschool program is designed for students that will be three or four years old by July 31. Students that are three years of age meet 2 half-days per week. Students that are four years of age meet 4 half-days per week. Classes consist of a combination of typically developing children and children with developmental delays. Our program provides a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate curriculum that is play based and focuses on the individual needs of children. Students will develop problem solving, critical thinking and social emotional skills within a nurturing and safe environment that will cause all students to be ready for Kindergarten. Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from school. Space is limited!

Full-day Program- Full-day preschool classrooms are located in each of our seven (7) PK-2 grade buildings. Classes meet 5 days per week and follow the regular school calendar. Classes are located at Central, Holman, Bermuda, Walnut Grove, Duchesne, Parker Road and Commons Lane. Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from school. Students must be fully potty-trained and independent when using the restroom to attend a full-day classroom. Additional requirements must be met for full-day classrooms. A weekly tuition will be applied for those that do not meet the qualifications for free preschool. More information may be provided at the time of your child's screening.

*All students are placed on a waiting list for their home school following a completed preschool screening and online registration. Students are contacted for placement from the waiting list once a spot becomes available.

All Programs Include Parents as Teachers

An important part of the Ferguson-Florissant preschool and pre-kindergarten program is the regular personal visit with a Parent Educator, parent, and child. Parents often tell us that personal visits are their favorite part of the program. These one-hour visits occur approximately every five weeks, and can be scheduled during the day or, if needed, in the early evening. Parent Educators talk with parents about their child’s development and various parenting topics. Everyone does an activity together, learning about how children work in school. In very special situations, these personal visits can occur in the school if no possible home arrangement can be made.

It is very important that all appointments for personal visits be honored. This is one of the things that makes this program so successful in helping children to be ready for kindergarten.

Click the link to the right "Enroll in FFSD Preschool" for additional details on the enrollment process.

Join Us as We Explore the Great Outdoors-Preschool at Little Creek!

Preschool at Little Creek is a unique program that provides an outdoor learning experience for children. The routine and schedule at Little Creek would be consistent with daily class routines and schedules in other preschool classrooms. Children will engage in centers and exploration, small and large group activities, music and movement, story time and snacks. In addition, children will go on explorations and hikes while at Little Creek.

Class Options for Preschool at Little Creek

Priority is given to students that are 4 years of age by July 31 of the upcoming school year. Students attend Monday through Friday at Parker Road Primary School. Students enrolled visit Little Creek each week on Thursday and Friday.

Preschool at Little Creek School Supply List

1 Pack of Baby Wipes
1 Pair of Tall Socks
Backpack-small
1 Water Bottle
Set of Spare Clothes-1 set for Little Creek and one set for school
1 Box of Gallon Sized Ziplock Bags
1 Box of Sandwich Sized Ziplock Bags
Kleenex-1 for Little Creek and one for school
1 Liquid Glue
4 Pack of Glue Sticks
1 Box of Markers
1 Box of Crayons
1 Box of Bandaids

Contacts

Enroll in FFSD Preschool

Step 1: A screening is the first step in the enrollment process. To schedule an appointment for a free developmental screening, send an email to earlyed@fergflor.org. Enrollment is not complete until a screening has taken place.

Step 2: Once your child's screening has been completed, you may begin the online registration process. Click here for information on how to complete online registration; Online Registration Information

Step 3: Once we have your child's completed screening and you have been cleared for enrollment by the Admission office, your child will be placed on a waitlist. Once a spot becomes available, you will be contacted by the Early Education office.

Please Note-Enrollment is finalized once a screening and online registration have been completed. To verify that all online registration documents have been accepted, please contact the Admission Office at 314-824-2035. A completed registration alone does not guarantee enrollment. All students are placed on a waiting list following registration and a screening. You will be contacted by phone, once a spot becomes available.

If your child has a current IEP, contact the Early Childhood Special Education office at 314-824-2073 prior to completing online registration.

To enroll in one of our fee-based Child Development Center classes, call our office at 314-824-2074

Preschool Supply List

1 box tissues
1 bottle non-alcohol hand sanitizer
1 box of crayons
1 pair of fiskar scissors
glue sticks
8-color water color paint
1 change of clothes
(1) 3 prong pocket folder
Ziplock Freezer bags (gallons size)
Ziplock bags (quart size)
1 water bottle to remain at school
1 small pillow for rest time (full-day classes only)
1 small blanket for rest time (full-day classes only)

Your child's teacher may provide a more detailed list.

Thank you.

Preschool FAQs

How does class placement work?

When will I be notified about placement?

Following your child's screening, they will be placed on the waitlist for their home school. You will be notified by phone and/or email by the Early Education Office Manager once space becomes available and your child has been added to a class list. Be sure to contact the Early Education Office at 824-2074 or send an e-mail to earlyed@fergflor.org if your address or phone number should changes after you enroll.

What is Little Creek?

Little Creek Nature Area is a 97-acre outdoor educational facility owned and operated by the Ferguson-Florissant School District. It has an outdoor Discovery Classroom, many hiking trails, a meadow, and undeveloped forest areas. In addition, it has a small farm with a barn, chicken coop, apiary, a vegetable garden, and pastures.

A comprehensive curriculum-driven preschool program combining classroom time with outdoor nature-based learning.

Your child will have the same routine in class and at Little Creek. This will include centers and exploration, small and large group times, music and movement, story time, and snack. In addition, at Little Creek, your child will also go on hikes and explore all the areas of Little Creek.

Head Start Program

FFSD Head Start Program

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE HEAD START 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Please read the requirements below to see if you qualify. If you meet the qualifications, please CLICK HERE to apply. For the Ferguson-Florissant School District Head Start Program located at Bermuda Elementary School, 5835 Bermuda Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121 under location preferences, select "Head Start Full Day 2025-2026" and then "#3 Ferguson-Florissant". You will receive a follow-up phone call within two business days to have an intake appointment scheduled.

Five full days of preschool classes for 3- and 4-year-olds are available through a partnership with Head Start. Families receive PAT personal visits. Head Start eligibility is necessary.

In order to be eligible for this program there are two requirements that must be met:

You must reside within the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
Meet the income eligibility guidelines

To qualify, families must make either the eligible income amount or lower according to their household size. If you receive SNAP (food stamps), you automatically qualify for the income eligibility. If you receive some form of public assistance (TANF-Cash or Child Care Subsidy) or (SSI Income), make over this amount, or have a special situation, please call to see if you qualify.

Number in Family Eligible Income

1 $15,650

2 $21,150

3 $26,650

4 $32,150

5 $37,650

6 $43,150

7 $48,650

8 $54,150

For family units with more than 8 members, add $5,500 for each additional person.

If you are eligible, call the Head Start office at 314-687-1972.

× Complete online School District Registration for the 25/26 school year

× Schedule an appointment to complete the Head Start paper application

× Provide proof of income (Food Stamp Budget Summary, W-2's, 2024 Tax Return, Check Stubs, School Schedule, Public Assistance, ect)

× One current check stub

× Parent's Picture ID

× Child's Original Birth Certificate (with raised seal, State issued)

× Child's Health Insurance Card

× Child & enrolling parent's social security cards

× Physical exam within the last 12 months

× Immunization record (complete from infancy, required by the State) –
Including:

DTaP/DT	4 doses
Pneumococcal (Prevnar, PCV)	4 doses
IPV (Polio)	3 doses
Hepatitis B	3 doses
Hib	3 doses
MMR	1 dose
Varicella (Varivax, Chicken Pox)	1 dose, or a statement from the doctor verifying the month and year of disease

× Lead & Hemoglobin Blood work results within the last 12 months

× Dental Exam within the last 12 months

If you would like more information about our full-day options through the Head Start Partnership, please call send an e-mail to kmcgee@fergflor.org

FFSD Headstart Application

Early Childhood Special Education

Early Education Special Education

Special education is defined as specially designed instruction, to meet the unique needs of children with delays and/or disabilities.

Special education and related services for pre-school age students is referred to as early childhood special education (ECSE).

The Ferguson-Florissant Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program provides services to children 3-5 years old, who qualify for special education services in the following areas:

Communication development (speech and language)
Cognitive development
Physical development
Social or emotional development
Adaptive development

The program goals, curriculum and materials are developmentally appropriate and geared to the differing ability levels of each child.

Child Development Centers

Child Development Center-Voted Best in North County 2020

Our child development center offers full day care and education for children ages 2, 3, and 4. High school students enrolled in a child development course are involved. The Child Development Center was voted Best in North County by the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce. Our Child Development Center is a tuition-based program that operates year-round.

Enrollment for tuition-based care and education must be submitted to the Early Education Office located at Vogt Welcome Center.

The fee for 2-year-olds is $189.00 per week or $41.00 per day. Class size is 8.

Staff Discount=$142 or $28 per day

The fee for 3- and 4-year-olds is $179.00 per week or $38.00 per day. Class size is 10.

Staff Discount=$134 or $27 per day

Open 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 12 months

For price and availability, send an e-mail to earlyed@fergflor.org

To enroll in one of our Child Development Centers, please call 314-824-2074

Items needed for Child Development Center Enrollment:

Items needed for Child Development Center Enrollment:

Developmental Screenings

Developmental Screenings for Children Ages 6 months to age 2.

This free developmental check-up is designed for all young children, ages 6 months to 2 years. Hearing and vision are also checked.

If you have a baby or a one- or two-year-old and would like to have your child screened, please contact your parent educator or call the Parents as Teachers office at 824-2077 to request this free service.

Preschool Developmental Screenings for Children Ages 3 to 5 Years

As a part of the enrollment process, your child will receive a free developmental screening. Screenings take place in person at our Vogt Welcome Center. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR SCREENING APPOINTMENT. You will receive a phone call from one of our screeners one day prior to your scheduled appointment time. At that time, our screener will ask questions to get to know both you and your child better.

This free developmental screening assesses vision, hearing, health, speech, language, motor skills and concepts. All children between the ages of 3 and 5 are eligible to receive this free screening. The results of the screening are shared with parents and guardians to better understand each child’s strengths and abilities, areas of concern and overall developmental progress.

Schedule a Screening

To schedule a screening, email earlyed@fergflor.org. Screenings appointments for the 2024-2025 school year will open February 1, 2024. Be sure to include the below information in your email.

Child's Name

Date of Birth

Parent/Guardian Name

Phone Number

Home Address

Email Address

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How old must my child be to attend your part-day preschool program?

Do the children have snack time during the part-day preschool program?

Yes, children should bring with them a small, simple, nutritious snack that can be eaten in 10 minutes during snack time. Soda, candy, and chips are not allowed. Children should carry a small lunch box or a paper sack for their snack. We also encourage you to send your child to school with a bag to carry their snack, projects, and artwork home in. Large-sized gift bags or paper grocery store bags work well for this.

Does my child need to be potty trained for preschool?

Do you offer before or after care for your full- or part-day preschool program?

How old does my child have to be to attend full-day child care?

What is the cut-off date for kindergarten entry?

Is transportation provided?

If I do not live within the Ferguson-Florissant School District boundaries, can I still enroll my child into your program?

Full- and half-day free preschool is limited to families who live within the District boundaries. Our Child Development Centers are open to all families. If you are interested in the Parents as Teachers program, but do not live in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, you may contact your local school district to enroll or contact the Parents as Teacher National Center.