Preschool and Pre-K

All Holy Family Early childhood centers participate in the Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, which provides free pre-K to Iowa residents turning four by September 15. All of the centers also provide convenient wrap-around care for their preschool and pre-K students.

Our programs include:

  • 3-year-old Preschool
  • 4-year-old Pre-K
  • Pre-K Plus
  • Wrap-Around Care
IMG_5825

Enrollment Timeline:

Holy Family offers priority enrollment to siblings of current K-12 students and children of staff members, followed by members of a Catholic supporting parish. Remaining spots for preschool and pre-K programs will be offered to the general public via online registration beginning Monday, January 13.

  • Dec. 9, 2024: Preschool and Pre-K enrollment opens to current families
  • Jan. 6, 2025: Preschool and Pre-K enrollment opens to supporting parish members
  • Jan. 13, 2025: Preschool and Pre-K enrollment opens to new families
Click headers to expand program descriptions:

Our three-year-old preschool program introduces structured learning through play. We focus on social-emotional growth, early literacy, and hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity and independence in a warm, supportive environment.

As part of Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, our four-year-old Pre-K is a free program for Iowa residents, turning four by Sept. 15. The program is designed to prepare children for kindergarten, by developing early literacy, math and social-emotional skills, creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Students in Pre-K will receive 15 hours of weekly instruction by a certified Early Childhood Teacher.

Children who are four years old (by Sept. 15) and reside in Iowa will receive 15 hours of free Pre-K through Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program. Pre-K Plus provides an additional 10 hours of instruction by a licensed Early Childhood Teacher each week.

Pre-K Plus offers a longer school day with a focus on developing early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills. Two additional hours each day (funded by monthly tuition) enrich and extend the child's learning experience. This extended time allows for more in-depth engagement with the curriculum, supporting both advanced learners and those who may need additional assistance. Students benefit from more time in small groups, helping to build a strong foundation for their education.

Children who live out of state or will turn five on or before Sept. 15 may enroll in either Pre-K or Pre-K Plus, and they will be charged monthly tuition.

Wrap-around care services provide reliable childcare before and after preschool and Pre-K programming, offering a safe, nurturing environment where children can engage in fun activities, play and relax. This flexible care option supports families by extending the day to ensure continuity in your child’s routine.

Wrap-around care is offered at all five Holy Family Early Childhood locations.

Locations and Programs

Holy Ghost Early Childhood Center

2981 Central Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001
Ph: (563) 800-5180
Fax: (563) 556-4768

Hours: 5:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. year-round

Programming Offered at Holy Ghost

  • Eagle Care school-age before- and after-school, summer, and non-school-day or inclement-weather-day care
  • Year-round childcare for infants through age 10
  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5 days) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m. and p.m.) with optional wrap-around services
Valentine_Anita

Anita Valentine
Early Childhood Director

avalentine@holyfamilydbq.org

Our Lady of Guadalupe Early Childhood Center

2005 Kane Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Ph: (563) 800-5181
Fax: (563) 585-1987

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. during regular school calendar

Programming Offered at Our Lady Early Childhood

  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5, 3, or 2 days per week) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (Spanish a.m. or dual-language 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services
  • Eagle Care before- and after-school care for Our Lady K-5 students
Pothoff_Tina

Tina Pothoff
Early Childhood Director
tpothoff@holyfamilydbq.org

Resurrection Early Childhood Center

4320 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002

Ph: (563) 800-5174
Fax: (563) 557-7995

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. during regular school calendar.

Programming Offered at Resurrection Early Childhood

  • Eagle Care school-age before- and after-school, summer, and non-school-day or inclement-weather-day care
  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5, 3, or 2 days per week) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m. or 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services
  • Eagle Care before- and after-school care for Resurrection K-5 students
  • Eagles Day Camp summer care
Burke_Emily

Emily Burke
Early Childhood Director

eburke@holyfamilydbq.org

St. Columbkille Early Childhood Center

1220 Rush St., Dubuque, IA 52003
Ph: (563) 800-5197
Fax: (563) 583-4884

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. during regular school calendar.

Programming Offered at St. Columbkille Early Childhood

  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5 days per week) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m. or 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services
  • Eagle Care before- and after-school care for St. Columbkille K-5 students
Weidenbacher_Marcelline

Marcy Weidenbacher
Early Childhood Director
mweidenbacher@holyfamilydbq.org

St. Joseph the Worker Early Childhood Center

2105 St. Joseph St., Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 800-5177
Fax: (563) 588-3960

Hours: 5:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. year-round.

Programming Offered at St. Joseph the Worker Early Childhood

  • Eagle Care school-age before- and after-school, summer, and non-school-day or inclement-weather-day care
  • Year-round childcare for infants through age 10
  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5 days) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m., p.m. or 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services