Brown County Schools
Preschool Program
Our grant funds from Early Learning Indiana, the Brown County Community Foundation and the Smithville Charitable Foundation have given all children the opportunity to experience individualized learning using a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning.
Our program is child-centered while providing the structure needed for children to feel safe within predictable routines. We respect that each child is uniquely individual and eagerly watch for and celebrate learning milestones as a natural outcome of play and guided learning activities.
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Special Education
Students eligible for preschool under IDEA Part B (special education law) pay no tuition and round-trip transportation is provided. In addition to a preschool teacher they interact with a licensed special education staff.
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Full-day Sessions
Tuition is charged by the day with a minimum of 2 days per week recommended for each child. For further information regarding preschool tuition, contact your school’s Principal or the Brown County Schools district office at 812-988-6601.
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Qualified Teachers
All of Brown County Schools preschool instructors earn Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Our building principals serve as Preschool Directors and work together to assure a quality early learning experience is accessible to ALL children.
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Open Enrollment
Enrollment is rolling, so children are welcome to enroll and attend on or after their third birthday at any time during the school year. Each of our three elementary schools are Paths to Quality Level 3 programs and are home to two preschool classrooms staffed with a 1/10 ratio.
Family Experience Testimonials
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“My son started at Van Buren Pre-K at the beginning of the year. We were all a bit anxious to move him into a new environment, but it was the best decision we have made!”
Allison Steele
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"I am so thankful that both of my daughters had the chance to experience preschool at Helmsburg Elementary. The preschool classes play, explore, and learn every day, and I can't believe how much both of them learned during their time there - it went far beyond basic "school" learning and included the social and emotional skills that all kids need to succeed."
Kara Hammes
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"Helmsburg Preschool was the perfect intro for both of our daughters into the school system in general, and Brown County Schools in particular. And, best of all, as they transition into Kindergarten, they already know the flow of a school day and the layout of the building, are familiar with some of the other kids and teachers, and are part of the Helmsburg family that they'll stay with until 4th grade."
Kara Hammes
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."
