Preschool

Preschool is Here!

Mountain Resource Center will be offering Free Preschool beginning Fall of 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.

MRC’s Preschool is now licensed and ready to begin accepting applications for enrollment interest as of May 20th, 2024!
We offer free preschool classes for children who are age 4 who meet eligibility requirements. Age eligibility cut off is October 1st of the year entering school.

You will love our program! We offer:

Half-Day Programs: Most programs in the area are full day only. We offer the convenience and cost savings of half-days, plus the chance to gently introduce your child to the school environment. Our half-days mean that our program is totally free for four-year-olds.
Experienced Staff: Between them, our director and assistant director have over 50 years of combined experience working professionally with young children. They are passionate about creating a positive learning environment, nurturing young minds, and addressing the whole child’s needs. (See our staff biographies, below.)
Curriculum: Not only do we use the research-based Creative Curriculum, designed to build children’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills, we also teach the Al’s Pals social and emotional curriculum to help your little ones learn to regulate their own emotions and behavior, and to be resilient to life’s challenges.
Fully Licensed: We want the safest possible environment for your little one! We are fully licensed and up to code. We are committed to training our staff above and beyond licensing requirements, and by the time we open, all staff members will have extra credentials. Your child’s safety and education will be in good hands!
Small Class Sizes: We believe in personalized attention. With small class sizes, each child gets the individualized support they need to thrive.

Enrollment information

Enrollment Priority

Low-Income Eligibility

Enrollment Process

Enrollment Priority

Low-Income Eligibility

Enrollment Process

Hours of Preschool Operation

Monday - Thursday

Morning Session

8:15AM – 12:00PM

Afternoon Session

12:45PM – 4:30PM

Introducing Our Staff:

Carla Keitlen, Preschool Director

Carla began her career in the early education field in 1997. For twenty years, she worked as a preschool educator at Wilmot Elementary. During this time, she attained her Director of Large Childcare Facilities Certificate at Red Rocks Community College, graduating summa cum laude. In 2013, Carla began working as a family educator at the Mountain Resource Center where she was responsible for leading early childhood classes and facilitating parent support and curriculum-based classes. In 2021, Carla was promoted to Lead Parent Educator, supervising the home visitation program, Parents as Teachers. She has also led the Incredible Years and Circle of Parent programs. In April 2024, Carla accepted the position of Mountain Resource Center Preschool Director. With her experience and passion for early learning, Carla is excited to provide oversight of the newly opening Preschool Program.

Carla developed an interest in early childhood while helping in her children’s preschool classes 29 years ago. She found children’s views and discoveries so fun that she never left. She is so inspired by this field that she cannot stop learning and has continued to take early childhood classes from Metropolitan State Univ. In her spare time, Carla paints (yes, occasionally adding glitter), hikes, travels, cheers loudly for her alma mater, The Ohio State University and golfs.

Leslie Johnson, Preschool Assistant Director

Leslie became a preschool educator at The Mountain Child Preschool in 1998. She continued teaching while getting her AA in psychology from Red Rocks Community College and later transferring to Metropolitan State University. At Metro, she focused her studies on child psychology and elementary education. However, the love of preschool proved too strong, as she has spent most of her career teaching preschool. Leslie has worked in early childhood for over 25 years. Her experience includes four years as a director, special education paraprofessional, camp lead teacher. She has been a preschool educator for 14 years, including 7 years of teaching at Elk Creek Preschool. She is excited to join the Mountain Resource Center Preschool, as the Assistant Director. Leslie brings a passion for educating children through kindness, fun, and play. 

As someone who grew up and lives in the mountain area, nature is important to Leslie. She enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring our beautiful mountains. Lesie is married, has a teenage daughter and two dogs. She and her family also enjoy riding bikes, traveling, and playing games together. On a quiet afternoon, Leslie enjoys sitting on her deck or gardening while listening to an audio book. 