Otter Preschool Program Information Letter 2024-25 (Posted August 2024)  

I am in the school web store and I can only see the course descriptions but it won’t let me register.- Online registration opens every March and is ongoing. Online descriptions will be visible to view on the school web store until it is open to register. Currently enrolled families will have priority followed by the general public starting on March 6th. 

Will I need to create an account?- Yes, You will need to log onto the school web store registration system. If you have ever registered or paid on-line for anything within the Fergus Falls school district you will use the same log on. (Example: older siblings lunches, community education classes, ECFE, or preschool tuition) If you have never paid or registered for anything online through the school you will need to create a new log in. You will only have to create a log in one time ever. When setting up the log in and account ensure that you add all the people in the household as family members in the household as each child will need to be enrolled individually for classes. *Setting up an account can be done anytime prior to registering.   

What age group do I register my child for?- The school district follows  the age the child is on SEPTEMBER 1st. So if your child is 3 on Sept. 1st  of the year you are registering for you would register for the 3yr. old class. If your child is 4 on Sept. 1st of the year you are registering for you would register for the 4yr. old class.  

My child will be 5 can I still register them for preschool? A 5 year old on Sept. 1st is eligible for Kindergarten. However, there are times when families decide they would like their child to attend one more year of preschool before entering kindergarten. Yes a child who is 5 on Sept. 1st can register for the 4/5yr. old preschool classes. 

Do I register myself (the adult) or the child(ren)?- Ensure you register the child(ren) that you are signing up for the class. Not the adult. 

A long questionnaire came up do I need to fill it out?- Yes, once per school year you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire/registration form per child. This will only have to be done once and will reduce having to fill out paper copies later. Only questions with a * must be filled in. 

How do I choose what day/class times I want for my child? On the questionnaire that comes up you may choose your preferred class times. We do our best to accommodate your choices but classes are filled on a first come first serve bases, and certain class times have filled up in the past. You may choose more than one option if you are open to other times. 

When will I find out if I my child has gotten in? After a registration has been submitted and then processed you will receive a confirmation letter by mail that your child has a spot in Otter Preschool . This can take from 2-3 weeks approx. and will not  begin being sent until May and then ongoing.  

Are your fees per child or per family?- Our registration fee listed for Otter Preschool are PER CHILD. So if you are registering multiple children in a class it will charge you for each child. **Please note for full day classes school meals is an additional daily charge if used. 

What if I can’t pay the registration fee and want to request free or reduced fees?- Please register and choose PAY LATER at checkout. This will allow us to manually adjust the total and get you an amount that fits your family based on eligibility, it will either be waived or you will be billed for the reduced fee. Free and reduced fees and Early Learning Scholarships are also available for the monthly classes based on family eligibility. 

Can I request free or reduced fees or early learning scholarship anytime?- Yes, at any time you can request an application for our Early Learning Scholarship or Free and Reduced Fees for preschool. If family situations, jobs, or other factors change, you can request this application throughout the year as well. 

I don’t have access to a computer or online device can I still register?- Yes, you can use one of the other registration methods or come to the Early Childhood Center during regular business hours and use a computer here. 

What if my child has not had an early childhood screening?- You can still register your child for preschool if they they have not had an Early Childhood Screening. We will schedule a screening with you when spots are available with the screener. These screenings need to be done within 90 days after preschool enrollment and prior to Kindergarten entrance. 

Where will you be located for the school year? Our program will be at the NEW Lincoln School (formally the Target building) at 2300 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN for all programming!

How do I make a tuition payment? Starting in September tuition will be charged for preschool students each month. Statements will be emailed. Payments can be made online through the school store, or by check, cash, or credit card in person or over the phone. Click on this link to make an Online Tuition Payment for OTTER PRESCHOOL   https://fergusfalls.revtrak.net/     Here are the printed step by step directions for making a payment online.   (*Please note this will start in September and will not be ready prior to that for monthly payments. ) A note: Tuition is split evenly over 9 months by the district. Tuition is not prorated. No reduction is given for holidays, inclement weather days, illness, or others absences. 

CANCELLATION POLICY The $50 registration fee is nonrefundable. 

If I need help or have other questions who should I contact?- Please call Jayna at the Lincoln School  218-998-0544 ext. 8900 or Principal Jon Steinbrenner at 218-998-0544 ext. 8901 during regular business hours.