Welcome to the Wausau School District's 4K & Early Childhood Program!

1. What time is school in session?

• AM session:  8:25 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• PM session: 11:40 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

2. What are the procedures when my child rides the bus?

If your child is riding the bus, please remember that the bus may be late the first few days. If for any reason your child will not be riding the bus on a particular day, please call First Student at 715-842-2268. They will notify the driver that your child will not be riding; calling saves time and fuel.  Please be ready at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. The times can vary due to absent students. When your child is dropped off, an adult must meet the bus. Again, be waiting for the bus at least 10 minutes before the scheduled drop-off time. If an adult is not present, the child will be returned to school and the parent will need to pick the child up at the 4K Academy. We understand that emergencies may arise, but being brought back to school is extremely stressful for the child. If your child is returned to school two times, we will ask you to come in for a meeting with the principal and social worker to brainstorm solutions for a smooth bus ride home for your child. 
If you have moved or changed daycare providers since completing the bus request form, please contact the 4K & EC Programs office at the Lincoln Early Learning Academy at 715-261-0265 so we can update your address and notify the bus company.
Due to the time it takes First Student to set up routes, no busing changes or additions will be made from August 8 until September 12. Parents of students who enroll during this time period will need to transport their child until busing arrangements can be arranged. 
After September 12, bus changes may be made. Please allow one week from the time we get the paperwork until the bus arrangements are made.

3. How can I add or change busing for my child?

Please make all busing requests through the 4K & EC Programs office at Lincoln Early Learning Academy at 715-261-0265. Please do not call First Student.
Information for any bus changes can be taken over the telephone. Remember any daycare must be located in our transportation/attendance areas assigned to your 4K site.

4. What are the procedures when I transport my child?

Many parents choose to transport their child to the 4K Learning Academy. If you choose to do so, please make sure your child is at school by the start time (8:25 am or 11:40 am) to avoid loss of valuable instructional and learning time for your child. Parents must accompany their child into and out of school during pickup and drop off times. If you are dropping your child off, doors will be open five minutes prior to start time, i.e. 8:20 a.m. and 11:35 a.m. Please wait in the designated spot with your child until a school adult supervisor is available. The parent may then leave and the supervisor will walk the children to their classrooms. Please provide supervision for all children in your care and do not leave children unattended in vehicles.
If you are picking your child up from school, the doors will be unlocked five minutes prior to dismissal, 10:55 a.m. and 2:10 p.m. Please wait in the designated spot and a school staff will bring the children to that area at dismissal time. Please do not go to the classroom for your child as it creates confusion and congestion in the hallways. For the safety of you and your child, please avoid crossing between parked buses and always use the crosswalk.
When the school day starts, the doors are locked and you will be buzzed in at the main entrance only.  All visitors are required to check in at the office and put on a visitor badge before proceeding anywhere in the building. It is our policy that every visitor must check in at the office and wear a visitor badge except during pickup and drop-off times.

5. What is the emergency school closing plans for 4K?

When it is necessary to close school during the middle of the day, school closing or delay information will be sent to you via School Messenger®, the District's electronic notification system, and announced over radio and television stations. Parents of 4K students are responsible for picking up their child at the Learning Academy. Students will not be transported by bus. In the event there is a 2-hour delay, all pre-school classes are canceled.

6. Will my child go outside every day?

YES! PLEASE DRESS YOUR CHILD FOR OUTSIDE RECESS EVERY DAY! Research has provided evidence of the far-reaching power of regular exercise in improving the learning and emotional and physical well-being of students. Regular exercise creates an environment in which the brain is ready, willing, and able to learn. If it is cold or rainy, we will use the gross motor area as a substitute.

7. What is I want to pick up my child early?

All visitors, including parents, are required to register in the office before going to visit a classroom. If you wish to pick your child up early, please stop into the office to check your student out of school.

8. What if my child is sick?

Please call First Student at 715-842-2268 (if your child rides the bus) and call the school office to report your child’s absence. We need to know how long you think your child will be out of school and the reason for the absence.

9. Can I volunteer?

WE NEED and APPRECIATE ALL VOLUNTEERS. You may volunteer once during the school year or on a regular basis. Volunteers are an integral part of an efficient, high-quality school. This also gives your child the message that “school is an important place to be.” You can access the volunteer sign-up here. Any time you can afford contributes to our school success!

10. How can I learn more about what my child is doing in school?

Parents are welcome to talk with teachers, 4K principal or building principal if they have any questions. To reach the 4K principal call the 4K & EC Programs office at 715-261-0265. Watch for the 4K CONNECTION, the 4K newsletter, every other week. In addition, you will be invited into your child’s classroom every month to observe a lesson and participate in an activity with your child.  This has been an extremely popular activity for both parents and students.
The Wausau School District has a “phone messenger” system that will call you and leave a voice message with any emergency information or reminders. You may receive messages from both the 4K Learning Academy and the school building.

11. What other educational opportunities are offered?

As part of the 4K program, we offer over 90 hours of opportunities for families to learn more about their child’s development as well as fun parent-child activities around the community. Please watch for email and phone messages regarding these activities.

12. What about snacks?

To comply with our district snack policy in regulating the ingredients of snacks, we ask parents to pay a $40.00 fee and we purchase the snacks. If you choose to celebrate your child’s birthday at school please consider sending a non-food birthday treat. Any food items sent for sharing must contain an ingredient label, be nut free, and made in a nut free facility. Items that are determined to place children’s health at risk will be discarded or returned to parents.