The "Get Kids Ready" Program
Cornerstone Academy is proud to participate in “Get Kids Ready”, a FREE, Wisconsin state-funded school readiness program that helps prepare children for kindergarten.
Through a structured curriculum focused on academic, social, and emotional growth, your little one will be set up for success in school!
Program Details
- Annually: September 8th, 2026 – May 6th, 2027
- Days: Monday – Thursday
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Cost: FREE (only pay for care outside of program hours, if needed)
- Requirements: Must be 4 years of age by September 1st, 2026
For 4-Year-Olds
What to Expect From "Get Kids Ready"
In the “Get Kids Ready” program, children who are 4 years old will begin to develop the building blocks for their future academic and social success!
The state-standardized curriculum is designed to bridge the educational gap between early childcare and kindergarten, while also preparing your child for a school environment. They’ll learn important literacy, math, self-help, and emotional skills—for no cost.
Program Highlights Include
- Curriculum aligned with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
- Taught by highly qualified teachers
- 437 hours of instruction time per year
- Smaller, more collaborative class sizes
- Zero tuition or enrollment fees!
How to Enroll
Space is limited for the “Get Kids Ready” 4k program, so you’ll want to enroll as soon as possible. If your child is eligible, please fill out the application linked below and return it either in person, by mail, or by email to Cornerstone Academy management for acceptance.
Any Questions? Contact Us Today!
Fill out our form or call (262) 552-5368 for more information about Cornerstone Academy’s “Get Kids Ready” program, and see why our daycare in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is the right fit for your child.
In the know
FAQs About the Program
Is the program really free?
Yes, the “Get Kids Ready” program is really free! It’s completely state-funded, so there’s no cost to enroll. You only have to pay for care outside of program hours (if you choose to do so).
Do children need to be enrolled by a certain date?
There are no deadlines to apply for the “Get Kids Ready” program. However, it’s important to note that there are a limited number of slots available. This means if your child is eligible, they can enroll at any time as long as there is availability.
Does my child need to take a literacy screening test if they're enrolled in Get Kids Ready?
No, according to the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20, your child doesn’t need to take a statewide literacy screening if enrolled in “Get Kids Ready”. Statewide fundamental literacy skills screenings are only required for children attending 4k programs through a public school district or independent charter school.
My child won't be 4-years-old in time for this year's program enrollment. What should I do?
If your child isn’t old enough, you can always wait to enroll them the following year, as the program is intended to continue year after year. In the meantime, consider enrolling your child in our toddler or 3k/4k programs.
Are children who are 5-years-old on or before September 1st eligible?
If your child is already 5-years-old on September 1st (such as a child with a summer birthday whose family decided to delay kindergarten enrollment) is eligible for the “Get Kids Ready” program. However, children who are 5-years-old AND enrolled in kindergarten are not eligible.
Tools for Growth
Additional Cornerstone Resources
