Jesup Early Childhood Program

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Register Your Student(s) in Jesup’s Early Childhood Program

Follow the button linked below to start registering your student(s) for Preschool, Pre-K, or Kindergarten here. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Pottebaum, Jesup Elementary/Rural Principal at bpottebaum@jesup.k12.ia.us or call (319)-827-1700.

Meet the Early Childhood Staff

Why Choose Jesup Elementary?

Jesup Elementary offers a nurturing and engaging learning environment for children Preschool through 4th grade, with programs designed to support early childhood development and school readiness.

3-Year-Old Preschool

A fun, hands-on program for children age three by September 15 who are fully potty trained.

What We Focus On:

Social Skills: Sharing, turn-taking & following directions.
Independence: Self-care & responsibility.
Language: Conversations, songs & imaginative play.
Fine Motor Skills: Pencil grip, crafts & scissor use.
Early Math & Literacy: Recognizing shapes, letters & numbers up to 15.

Daily Schedule Highlight

Morning arrival, calendar time & group activities.
Snack, recess & hands-on learning centers.
Library or music time on alternating days.
Closing circle & dismissal for half-day students.
Lunch for full-day students.
Special Classes: Library & guidance rotate every six days.

Pre-Kindergarten

For children aged four by September 15, Pre-K helps build a strong foundation for Kindergarten with certified teachers and full-time paraeducators.

Developmental Areas of Focus

Social & emotional growth
Language & communication
Physical development
Cognitive skills & problem-solving
Early literacy & math

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) & Kindergarten

Jesup Elementary’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten programs help young learners build confidence and school readiness. TK gives children extra time to develop before kindergarten, while Kindergarten offers a full day of hands-on learning in reading, math and social skills. Both programs are led by certified teachers and paraeducators in a supportive environment.

Our early childhood programs provide a safe and engaging space for children to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Join us and give your child a strong start!

What Families Are Saying About Jesup Elementary

“Both of my kids attended Pre-K at Jesup, and it gave them a strong foundation and love for learning. They were well-prepared socially, emotionally, and academically for Kindergarten. The teachers and staff are truly wonderful people, and it’s clear they genuinely care about each student.”

“We LOVE the Jesup Pre-K program! With three children who have gone through it, we’ve experienced all three teachers, and each one has been nurturing, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their students. They provide the best possible learning environment, meeting both the emotional and academic needs of each child. Every question or concern we’ve ever had has been met with thoughtful advice and helpful resources. The program has truly prepared our children for Kindergarten and beyond. We couldn’t be more grateful for the staff and everything they do – simply THE BEST!”

“The Pre-K program at Jesup has an incredible team of teachers who create a fun and engaging learning environment for kids of all skill levels. This program not only helps children adjust to a full day in a classroom but also builds early math, reading, and writing skills. Beyond academics, the children learn how to solve social and emotional challenges and take care of their own basic needs. These early learning habits set them up for success in Kindergarten and beyond!”

“Jesup Preschool has been a wonderful experience for our family. The teachers are skilled and passionate, creating a nurturing environment where my child feels safe and excited to learn. The play-based curriculum fosters creativity and curiosity, helping my children thrive both academically and socially.”

“Communication with parents is excellent, keeping us informed and reassured about our child’s progress. Jesup Pre-School is more than just a school; it’s a place where children are encouraged to explore and grow. We’re grateful for the positive impact it has had on our children’s development.”

“Seeing my child’s confidence blossom and their love of learning ignite is the greatest gift. Jesup’s preschool program provides the perfect environment for that. We couldn’t ask for a more caring and enriching experience, and the staff is a huge part of that.”

“We moved our daughter to Jesup for 3-year-old preschool, leaving a daycare center, for a few different reasons. We love the option of extended-day care so our daughter can attend all day. They work well together to reinforce the same curriculum, giving her that much more education at only age 3! She also gets to be around the elementary age school-kids making the transition into a traditional classroom that much easier. You are no longer moving buildings, just classrooms. Lastly, talking about Jesup would not be complete without talking about the elementary staff. There are not only qualified teachers and paras in the classroom, they are also loving, welcoming, and helpful people – I know without a doubt that my daughter is cared for. As a mom you want to know you are setting your kids up for success and I have never had doubts or regrets with either of my children sending them to Jesup preschool.”

“We experienced both PreK and TK through Jesup. Both of our children have excelled throughout the programs. Any concerns we had we were able to bring up to the teacher or staff at Jesup without any hesitation to figure out a solution. We have loved that our kids have learned so much throughout the programs from social and emotional to academic. The positivity and atmosphere at Jesup has allowed our children to enjoy going to school. They come home with the best attitude and happy faces. They are so excited to learn and to continue being a Proud J-Hawk! “

“We were extremely excited when Jesup started to offer transitional kindergarten! We understand the value and importance of kindergarten readiness. As a family, we were confident that our son would continue to build the skills that were necessary to grow in the classroom, develop socially, and be in a fostering learning environment. The results speak for themselves! We are reading at grade level, building friendships, and enjoying school so much more! Thank you to everyone involved that made the process seamless!”

“In TK, my children made lifelong friends. It helped them grow emotionally and the Amazing teaching staff made us feel they were our second family. They Always had the best interest of my children in mind.

“Considering TK? Do it! We had a kiddo go through TK last year and it was SO impactful – Our son has a late May birthday – So, an extra year of growth & development was essential for him overall. Mrs. Rausch is hands down amazing! She will work with your kiddo as an individual with clear communication whenever anything is needed. It’s something that we will continue to do with our last two kids as well. After his year with TK was over, it was a night & day difference and it got him ready for where he needed to be for kindergarten this year & beyond. I would do it 100x’s over and can’t tell you enough about the relief it brought us as parents.”

Coming Soon!

A new, exciting and inclusive playground for our youngest learners is almost ready to be installed. You are invited to visit Jesup Elementary and see for yourself what makes us a school of choice for many. Go J-Hawks!

Jesup Elementary School

Address: 531 Prospect Street, Jesup, Iowa

Hours: 8:15 am – 3:15 pm

Phone: (319)-827-1700