Little Go-Hawk Learning Center

By David Hill, Superintendent, Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District

Parents of toddlers, the adventure is just beginning! Did you know that enrolling your child in preschool can have a lifelong impact on their success? From sparking curiosity to building confidence, preschool is more than just a place to learn letters and numbers—it's the foundation for a love of learning and personal growth.

Why is preschool so important? Research shows that children who attend preschool are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, learn how to work with others, and gain the confidence to tackle new challenges. Preschool also gives parents peace of mind, knowing their child is learning in a safe, nurturing environment.

In the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District, we’re committed to giving every young learner the best possible start. This year, we're proud to have expanded preschool opportunities for four-year-olds across our community. At the Southeast Early Childhood Center, we’ve added several sections of preschool, both half-day and full-day, to meet our families’ needs. In addition, Shell Rock Elementary School continues to offer preschool for four-year-olds, and through Iowa’s Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) the district continues to partner with St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Discoveries Learning Center, and Waverly Child Care & Preschool to further broaden access to quality preschool programming in our community.  

By offering multiple preschool options across the district, we’re dedicated to providing all families with flexible, accessible choices that suit their schedules and needs. The expansion of preschool this year is more than just an addition of classrooms; it’s a commitment to building a brighter future for our community’s children. We’re excited to continue partnering with parents, teachers, and the community as we work together to support our youngest learners’ journeys. At Waverly-Shell Rock, we’re not just building students—we’re building a community of learners, dreamers, and achievers, one “little Go-Hawk” at a time. 

We understand that choosing a preschool is a big decision, and we’d love to help you explore what makes W-SR special. We invite you to visit our preschools and see the magic for yourself! Katie Devereaux, our Preschool Director, would be delighted to show you around, answer your questions, and help you imagine your child’s preschool journey.