Saugatuck Public Schools

Early Childhood Center

The Douglas Elementary Early Childhood Center houses the 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool programs. The independently operated Educare daycare and after school care programs are also located in this building.

ECC staff members believe in providing a safe and caring learning environment for students. The philosophy behind the program is that young children learn while doing. Meaningful play and interaction are a big part of the total program. Staff members also believe learning is an active, exciting process that involves the whole child and is balanced among all areas of child development including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

The goals of the ECC curriculum include the following:

1. Provide each child with a successful first school experience
   
2. Help each child develop a positive self-image
   
3. Foster each child's self-confidence

The preschool curriculums are theme and literature based. While exploring themes and patterns, students acquire readiness skills in all content areas. Daily lesson plan goals, schedule, activities, toys, materials, and physical set-up of the classroom space are designed to help accomplish these goals.

The Saugatuck Public School District recommends that a child be three years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year to enter the 3-year-old program. The district recommends that a child be 4 years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year to enter the 4-year-old program. The building principal, in consultation with the preschool teacher, may make an exception to allow a child who will be of age by December 1st of the current school year.

Enrollment dates are established by Douglas Elementary School and are advertised in all local newspapers and district communications. Enrollment will be on a first come, first served basis. For our 4-year-old program, students who live in the Saugatuck Public Schools' District will be given first priority with our remaining spots available for out-of-district children. The 3-year-old program operates on a first come, first served basis.

The charge for the Douglas Preschool 3-year-old program is as follows: Saugatuck Public Schools' District residents and those residing in neighboring districts who attend our program pay $600.00 plus a $50.00 registration fee (paid at the time of registration). Payments should be arranged and paid at the Douglas Elementary School Office or the Saugatuck Public Schools' Administration Office.

The charge for the Douglas Preschool 4-year-old program is as follows: Saugatuck Public Schools' District residents who attend our program pay $850.00 plus a $100.00 registration fee (paid at the time of registration). Students who reside outside of the Saugatuck Public Schools' District will be required to pay a cost of $1,150.00 plus a $100.00 registration fee (paid at the time of registration). Payments should be arranged and paid at the Douglas Elementary School Office or the Saugatuck Public Schools' Administration Office.

Contact Information