PSU Early Childhood Preschool Lab
Welcome
Welcome from the Little Gorillas Preschool (PSU Early Childhood Preschool Lab)! We are housed on the south side of the Family and Consumer Sciences building on the campus of PSU. We have been in operation since 1964. We are committed to providing high quality care and education for your child in a warm and supportive environment to help foster your child’s growth and development.
The PSU Early Childhood Preschool Lab is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Who We Serve
We are licensed to enroll children between the ages of 3 to 5 years old. The preschool serves children from both the PSU campus and the larger community. It also serves as a training facility for college students majoring in Child Development and Early Childhood Education.
Mission
The mission of the Little Gorillas Preschool is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children of the Pittsburg community including PSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Children are treated with warmth and respect at all times. The staff works within a developmentally appropriate curriculum to develop socially responsible children.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Little Gorillas Preschool is grounded in the principles of best practices in programs for young children. We believe in meeting children’s individual and social needs. We support children to reach their potential as learners, as well as to help them enjoy their childhood. We believe that the family is the most important component of a child’s life. We ask families to be partners with us as we work with their child.
Preschool Sessions and Tuition
Our preschool operates Monday-Thursday with a morning and an afternoon session. Parents have the option of sending their child for three or four days in their choice of session. Each session is a mixed age group of 3 to 5 year olds. The morning session meets from 8:15 - 11:00 am. The afternoon session meets from 12:00 - 2:45 pm.
The tuition rates are $550 per semester for three days per week and $600 per semester for four days per week.
Application Process
Applications are taken throughout the year in the FCS Department main office. The application can be accessed through the link below, printed out, and returned to the FCS office or downloaded and sent as an attachment to our office at atankersley@pittstate.edu. Children's names are placed on a waiting list and openings are filled as they become available. Contact the main FCS office (620-235-4457) or the preschool office (620-235-4461) for more information.
Children must be at least 2 years old to be placed on the waiting list. The length of the list varies from time to time, but a good estimate is to expect enrollment about one year after getting on the waiting list. There have been cases, although rare, that a family has applied during the summer and the child was enrolled for the fall.
The enrollment process begins in April when the Preschool Director notifies families if there will be a preschool spot for their child for the following preschool year. You will not be notified until we reach your child's name on the waiting list.
Preschool Brochure and Application (PDF)
For more information about our program, please view our family handbook:
Preschool Family Handbook (PDF)
