4K FAQ’s

Yes. Canaland’s 4K Half Day program will continue to be free for families.

Beginning in Fall 2026, the school district is moving many of the 4K programs to a full-day, five-day 4K model. Canaland has chosen a different path that aligns with our belief in half-day, play-based learning and a slower, developmentally appropriate introduction to school.

Canaland 4K is offered four days per week and is a half-day program (8:30am-11:40am). If we have enough interest, we will open up an afternoon class as well.

Our 4K program uses a play-based curriculum aligned with the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards and meets state expectations for kindergarten readiness.

Yes. Canaland 4K students consistently demonstrate strong kindergarten readiness, with students scoring among the highest in readiness assessments. Our program meets and exceeds early childhood benchmarks while allowing children to learn at an age-appropriate pace.

Canaland 4K is led by Missy Kessel, who has over 30 years of experience in education and 13 years teaching 4K. She is a Pyramid Model Coach and mentors teachers and students entering the education field.

Canaland continues to support IEPs, therapy services, and individualized interventions. We partner with outside professionals to provide services as needed, and these supports are provided at no cost to families.

Get Kids Ready is a Department of Children and Families (DCF) funded program that provides free school readiness instruction for 4-year-olds in child care settings. Beginning in Fall 2026, Canaland will participate in this program, allowing us to continue offering high-quality 4K while keeping it free for families.

Yes. Since our program is a DCF-regulated early childhood program, we are held to rigorous and comprehensive standards that are specifically designed for young children. These requirements often go beyond the school district expectations in areas such as classroom furnishings appropriate for 4-year-olds, playground equipment, child-to-teacher ratios, toys, learning materials per child, and overall learning environment.

Through our partnership with the Get Kids Ready program, Canaland meets state early learning standards while operating under DCF guidelines that prioritize child development, health, safety, and well-being. We are confident that this model provides a high-quality, developmentally appropriate education that prepares children well for kindergarten.

Yes. Canaland has been serving families since 1985, almost 41 years of early childhood education. We are fully state licensed and accredited through the International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA). Our long-standing experience, consistent leadership, and commitment to Christ-centered education have shaped generations of children and families, and we remain dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment.

Yes. Canaland offers optional wrap around care before and after 4K, Monday through Friday, for a reduced additional cost. Wrap around care includes a free homemade breakfast in the morning, a nutritional lunch after 4K, rest or nap time, snacks, outdoor play when weather allows, and large motor play indoors.

Yes. Children may attend Canaland’s 4K program for two years when it is developmentally appropriate. This is especially common for children with late summer birthdays or families who choose to delay kindergarten entry to allow for more maturity and readiness.

Unlike previous district requirements, repeating 4K at Canaland does not require a child to have severe learning delays. Our approach focuses on meeting children where they are developmentally and supporting readiness at a healthy, individualized pace.

Transportation is not provided for most students. The school district is only required to provide transportation when it is specifically included as a related service in a child’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan). In those cases, transportation would be arranged as part of the IEP services.

For students without transportation listed in an IEP, families are responsible for transportation to and from Canaland 4K.

Canaland follows the SPASD calendar for no-school days and weather-related closures for our 4K program. However, even on snow days or district no-school days, Canaland remains open and childcare is still available.

With the exception of holidays and one annual staff development day, Canaland operates as usual. This means that if the school district is closed due to weather, Canaland will still be open and provide daycare services for families who need care.

We understand that reliable care is important for working families, and we’re committed to being available whenever possible.

To enroll, please call or email Canaland. Once enrolled, we will schedule a time for your family to tour the facility, meet our staff, and ask any questions you may have.