Early Childhood Programs Application Process | Turtle Rock Preschool | Infant, Preschool and Kindergarten Child Care in Irvine

Tours and Applications Now Open for 2025-26 School Year

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Early Childhood Programs Application Process

Families who are interested in applying to our Early Childhood programs should begin the process one year prior to their desired entry date.

For Preschool through Pre-Kindergarten, we have a strict September 1st birthday cutoff. For the Preschool program, children must turn two by September 1st of the year they wish to enter. For Junior Pre-Kindergarten, children must turn three by September 1st of the year they wish to enter. For Pre-Kindergarten, children must turn four by September 1st of the year they wish to enter.

Step 1: Inquire & Visit

We invite you to tour our campus or attend our annual Open House so that you will have a personal connection to Turtle Rock Preschool’s teachers, curriculum and learning environment. We often find that your experience on a tour will help tell our story better than any other form of communication. During your initial visit, our Assistant Director of School will talk with you about your child and your expectations. This informal discussion allows us to understand more about your family, your own educational philosophies and your child’s needs, unique abilities, and personality. You can schedule a tour online, or call our office for assistance.
Please note that all prospective families are required to tour our campus prior to applying. Exceptions are only made for families relocating from outside of Southern California.

Step 2: Apply

Once you have decided that Turtle Rock is a good fit for your family, you are welcome to apply.  We require a non-refundable $125 Application Fee with your completed application.

Step 3: Attend the playgroup and/or parent interview

Preschool and Junior Pre-K:  We do not formally meet or interview children applying to the Preschool and Junior Pre-K programs.  After submitting and paying for your application, parents are invited to come for an interview.  Parent Interviews take place from October through February.
Pre-Kindergarten: Pre-Kindergarten applicants attend a playgroup in February. After submitting and paying for your application, you will be notified of the date and time of your child’s playgroup.

Step 4: Decisions

Members of the administration will meet regularly to review applicants and select families for admission. We mail admission decisions in late March for children to start that fall. Late applications for open positions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Step 5: Enroll

Once offered admission, families must complete an Admission Agreement and pay both a Registration Fee and a Final Balance Deposit (one month’s tuition) to secure the space. Both of these payments are non-refundable. We will schedule a paperwork appointment with you at school and provide you with an enrollment packet to take home.

Step 6: First Day

Before your child’s first day of school, you will need to have returned the completed enrollment packet, including the Physician’s Report to be filled out by your child’s pediatrician. We recommend you come with your child to visit the classroom and meet the teachers prior to your child’s first day.