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.
Testimonials
See What Our Happy Families Are Saying ...
My granddaughter loves going to Cornerstone! The teachers are very kind and you can tell they truly care about the well-being of all the children. They keep the place very clean and have good structured daily activities. I know my granddaughter is safe and well cared for at Cornerstone! I will highly recommend it.
Heidi Strangberg
We have been going to corner stone for almost 3 years now since my oldest was 6 weeks old. They have been so accommodating with our crazy schedule and even our crazy life. Whenever I have questions they respond quickly. They have so many cute events for the kids and families to participate in. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. They are always asking if they can do anything different or better for your kids. We also do not live close to cornerstone but are willing to drive because of how great the facility and staff are. Would not take my boys anywhere else.
Haley Sima
We have had 3 boys through Cornerstone over the past 6 years. The staff is wonderful! The facility is clean and welcoming. Now that our older two boys started school this year they went in far beyond with the things they were taught at daycare. We feel very informed always of our childrens day to day.
Michele Nielsen
We absolutely love this daycare and would never go anywhere else. My daughter is so excited to go to “school” everyday. The amount of things they have taught her is absolutely amazing. Her teachers are all so great with her and she loves them. Highly recommend.
Angelica Dutter
We are on our 4th child attending cornerstone academy. We have had kids here pretty much since they opened. The staff is always courteous and are great with the kids. They do a good job of making it a place of socialization and learning. I have recommended and would recommend cornerstone to anyone looking for childcare.
Brian DiVito
My oldest is now 19 and my youngest is 1. I didn’t think twice when I needed daycare again. It’s comforting to go to work trusting the staff and knowing my little one is having fun with all her friends! They keep a clean establishment as well! Highly recommend!
Corrie Dresen
My granddaughter is nurtured by every person she comes into contact with at the Cornerstone Academy. She has started to experience interaction with children of her age. I feel very lucky to have her there.
Gabriela Pettit
I love this place! They go out of their way for you and your family! The owner is personal as well as well as his staff! I moved to Racine, and refuse to switch daycares! Thanks for all you do!!!
Danielle Friedrich
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
