1073 Hwy. 61, Two Harbors, MN 55656
Phone: 218-428-1048
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Kickstart Preschool?
Kickstart Preschool is a preschool for children ages 3-5 years old. Kickstart is licensed by the
State of Minnesota as a “Rule 3 Childcare Center.” Not all preschools are licensed through the State of
Minnesota. This licensing requires annual inspections, continuing education, staff training, and
documentation insuring the health and safety of the children.
2. Who works at Kickstart?
Deb Archer is the owner/lead teacher at Kickstart. She has worked in the field of early childhood
for over 20 years. Deb has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and licensures in kindergarten,
prekindergarten and parent education. She has worked as a parent educator in the Two Harbors Early
Childhood Family Education program for over 20 years and is the author of the article “The Early Years” in
the Lake County News Chronicle.
Julie Nelson is also a teacher at Kickstart. She also has a bachelor’s degree and has worked in
early childhood for over 15 years. Deb and Julie have been working together at Kickstart for the past 4
years, and are a great team.
3. What days is Kickstart open?
Kickstart follows the calendar of Lake Superior School District opening after Labor Day and ending
the year in early June. Kickstart is open Monday thru Friday and the preschool day runs from 9:00-1:45.
This length of day was chosen to help prepare children for the long days of all-day kindergarten. This day
is shorter than a school day, yet longer than other preschool programs in Two Harbors.
4. How many days can my child attend?
Kickstart has a structured curriculum and each day is filled with fun learning activities different than
the day before. Kickstart has a minimum enrollment of 2 days per week. With at least two days the
children are better able to learn the routine, get to know the other children, and start to prepare for their
formal K-12 education. Children may attend Kickstart for 2-5 days a week. It can be whatever days’ work
for you as long as they are the same every week.
5. I work during the day, how can I get my children to Kickstart?
Kickstart has been working with Arrowhead Transit for the last 5 years. They will pick up children
from local childcare centers or homes, bring them to preschool and then return them at the end of the day.
A Kickstart representative rides the bus both in the morning and afternoon. They buckle kids in and escort
them into the preschool and won’t drop a student off at home unless a parent or parent’s representative
greets the bus at home. Tickets for the bus are purchased though Arrowhead Transit. Daily or monthly
passes are available. Arrowhead Transit can be contacted at 218-834-2190 with questions or to purchase
tickets. This arrangement has worked well but is always subject to the bus company’s policies and
Kickstart’s ability to provide a representative on the bus. If you are considering this possibility please let
Deb know.
6. Why Kickstart preschool over other preschool programs?
Kickstart preschool is taught by a licensed early childhood teacher, who has been working in this
field for over 20 years. Our facility is bright and spacious and we keep our enrollment low in order to give
attention to each child. Deb believes children learn by doing and learn best by experiencing things through
all their senses. The preschool program focuses pre reading and pre math skills and other important
cognitive skills needed for a successful start in kindergarten. The longer day of preschool enables kids to
work on the important social skills and a full range of exploratory learning activities. Large motor
development time happens daily and weather permitting (above zero and not raining), the children have time
to run and explore outside daily. There is always something exciting and fun happening at Kickstart.
Kickstart is the only preschool licensed by the State of Minnesota in Lake County.
7. How do I register my child for Kickstart?
An enrollment form needs to be filled out along with a $50.00 deposit. This deposit holds your
child’s spot for the fall and will be used towards the first month of tuition. In August a packet of information
and other forms will be mailed to you. The State of Minnesota requires other documents to be on file, such
as immunization records, health summary, etc. These forms need to be turned in the first day your child is
at preschool.
8. How much does Kickstart Preschool cost?
Preschool cost $24.00 per day. This is less per hour than Community Education preschool.
Tuition is only due for the number of days your child is enrolled per month. If Kickstart is closed for a
holiday no tuition is due for the scheduled days off. Tuition is due the first of the month for the upcoming
month, or on the first day of the week for the upcoming week.
If you have further questions please don’t hesitate to contact Deb at 218-428-1048 or at
[email protected].