Begindergarten
Summary of Mount Vernon’s Begindergarten Registration Process
Information on the screening and registration process for 2026-2027 school year is now available!
Mount Vernon Community School District offers an all-day alternative kindergarten program called Begindergarten. The program is an option for children who are old enough to attend kindergarten (5 years old between March 15th and September 15th), but from a developmental standpoint, could benefit from another year to grow before starting kindergarten. Students enrolled in Begindergarten work on social, emotional, behavioral skills with an additional focus on literacy and math growth. The philosophy of Begindergarten is based on learning through exploration, play and social interaction in a literacy-rich environment. This is a full-day program that runs on the same calendar as the school district’s kindergarten program.
Step 1: Review the Begindergarten Qualification Process
If you are interested in the Begindergarten program please review the following qualifications:
- Children must turn 5 years of age between March 15, 2026 and September 15, 2026 to qualify to be screened for the Begindergarten program.
- Enrollment in this program will be determined following the screening appointment by data collected to help identify how we can best meet your child’s needs. Parents will be notified within a week of the screening whether or not their child qualifies for Begindergarten.
- A student must qualify for the Begindergarten program based on their score from Mount Vernon’s screening process to participate in the program.
Step 2: Sign Up for a Screening
A student must qualify for the Begindergarten program based on their score from Mount Vernon’s screening process to participate in the program. Screenings will take place each spring prior to the upcoming academic year. You can contact the Washington Elementary front office to schedule a time for screening. (319) 895-6251
Step 3: Ensure Begindergarten Enrollment is the Right Choice for Your Child
Enrollment in the Begindergarten program will be determined at the screening appointment by data collected from parents and students to help identify how we can best meet your child’s needs. Washington Elementary staff will email/call families within a week of the screening to confirm your child’s enrollment in Begindergarten or Kindergarten. As you consider Begindergarten enrollment for your child, please note:
- Any child in the state of Iowa who attends a Begindergarten program is technically considered as being retained.
- The Mount Vernon Begindergarten classroom is located at the end of the kindergarten hallway at Washington Elementary and is a full-day program (8:10 am -3:15 pm). The enactment of the begindergarten program is evaluated annually and may change based on enrollment numbers.
- Before and after-school care is provided by an external provider at a cost to the family. Families interested in this support can contact Champions, Lisa Nosbisch. lnosbisch@mvcsd.org
- Program outcomes are based on Iowa CORE kindergarten standards.
Step 4: Complete the Enrollment Process
Once you have received the email from Washington Elementary staff confirming the results of the screening, the final step in welcoming your child is to pre-register them for the upcoming academic year to ensure we have some essential information about your child and family.
- Please complete the registration steps on this page. (March 2026)
- If you haven’t already provided them, you will be asked to provide new student documentation including proof of residency, proof of birth date, and a current immunization record.
Within all programming options, the developmental needs of the child will be monitored regularly to ensure the current placement is appropriate for the child. Teacher and parent communication is important during the first several months of school so that the educational experience of the child is successful.
Benefits of Begindergarten:
- Provides an extra year of growth, strengthens self-confidence, maturity, and foundational social and academic skills
- Focuses on the Whole Child; balances teacher-directed and child-selected activities, fostering social skills and independence
- Developmentally appropriate providing a mix of play and early academics, aligning with individual timetables allowing for more learning flexibility
- Provides a smoother transition to classroom learning; reduces anxiety and prepares them for the demands of traditional kindergarten