KDSN RADIO News
Unity Ridge Among Just 10 Iowa Providers Chosen for State Preschool Program
Unity Ridge Lutheran School in Denison is one of just 10 community-based providers across Iowa approved to participate in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for Four-Year-Old Children for the 2026-27 school year.
The Iowa Department of Education announced the approvals as part of an effort to expand access to high-quality preschool opportunities in communities across the state. Unity Ridge’s selection will allow the Denison school to operate an independent state-supported preschool program while meeting Iowa requirements for instruction, assessment, enrollment and reporting.
Approved providers must employ appropriately licensed preschool teachers, provide qualifying indoor and outdoor learning environments and use the state-required SmartTeach GOLD assessment system.
Unity Ridge joins providers in communities including Waterloo, Fort Madison, Pella, Orange City, Perry and Washington. The 10 newly approved community-based providers will operate alongside 324 Iowa school districts already participating in the statewide preschool program.
The program is designed to give Iowa four-year-olds greater access to early learning opportunities and build a foundation for future academic success.
