Ottumwa Schools is excited to open the new Pickwick Early Childhood Center in August in collaboration with Sieda Head Start. This state-of-the-art preschool will provide an early childhood experience to all three- and four-year-old children in Ottumwa at no cost. Parents will have the option of all-day preschool, with services offered from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Registration to attend Ottumwa's newest preschool, Pickwick Early Childhood Center, will be held on Thursday, March 1. Parents may register at 4:30., 5:30., or 6:30 p.m. at Douma Elementary School. This no-cost preschool will serve children who turn three- or four-years-old by Sept. 15.
Registration includes a brief presentation and then parents will complete the registration packet with a preschool staff member. Parents need to verify their child's age by bringing a birth certificate, passport, or Title XIX card, and family income. This no cost preschool program is possible through a partnership with Sieda Head Start and the use of federal program dollars. In order to access these funds, the program is required to collect income information for all families in the program. Eligibility is not based on income.
The process will take approximately 45 minutes, depending on the number of parents who attend each registration block. Childcare will be available.
Parents unable to attend may register at any time at:
- Sieda Community Action Agency at 641-682-8741,
- Any Ottumwa elementary school,
- District’s administrative office, or
- Preschool at 641-684-7179.
