Canton Local Schools

The philosophy of the Stark County Educational Service Center and the Wildcat Preschool Program is to provide children with opportunities to grow through a variety of experiences. It is our belief that every child can learn and that the preschool experience should be positive, enjoyable, and rewarding for children with and their families. We strive to build a strong foundation for future learning success through activities that are multicultural, play-based, and child-initiated.

Yes, but we have a limited number of spots available for typically developing children and for students who would qualify for the Early Childhood Education Entitlement Program. Openings are available for children with disabilities, as well as those who do not speak English. The preschool can evaluate your child to determine if he/she is eligible as a child with a disability or as an English Language Learner. Please call 330.484.8020 to sign up your child.
 

Two sessions
Monday - Thursday
Morning: 8:45 am - 11:55 am
Afternoon: 12:35 pm - 3:45 pm

Wildcat preschool classes are located at Faircrest Memorial Elementary School, 616 Faircrest St SW, Canton, Ohio 44706. Phone 330.484.8020.

If your child is typically developing and you do not suspect any disability, there is a screening once a year for a limited number of spots. This screening is held in April for students to attend the following school year. There is a sliding scale for tuition, and parents are asked to provide documentation of family income to determine eligibility. Refer to the Federal Poverty Guidelines for tuition information. If your child has received Help Me Grow services, your Help Me Grow coordinator will assist you with the evaluation process, which begins with a transition meeting among Help Me Grow, the parents, and the school district.

If you suspect your preschool-aged child has a disability, please call the Special Education Coordinator at 330-484-8022. If your child is eligible, preschool is provided at no cost to you.

If your child speaks a language other than English or another language is spoken at home, please call 330-484-8022 to determine if your child is eligible for preschool as an English Language Learner.  If your child is eligible, preschool is provided at no cost to you.

First, contact the preschool program at 330-484-8022 to schedule a screening. A few days after the screening, you will receive a call to let you know whether a disability is suspected. If a potential disability is identified, the staff will contact you to schedule a follow-up evaluation.

Immunizations and yearly physicals are required. Please refer to the Preschool Handbook for more details. The district requires the School Entrance Physical Examination form, and the Ohio Department of Education requires the Medical Form.