Preschool and Pre-K at Holy Family Early Childhood

Where Little Eagles Grow, Learn, and Lead

At Holy Family Early Childhood, our Preschool and Pre-K programs offer more than a classroom—they offer a community where your child is known, loved, and encouraged to soar. Rooted in our Catholic faith and guided by our core values, our programs nurture the whole child: mind, body, heart, and spirit.

A Faith-Filled Foundation

Children learn through stories, prayer, virtues, and Songs of God’s Love woven seamlessly into each day. We cultivate kindness, confidence, and a sense of belonging—helping every child understand that they are created with purpose and unique gifts to share.

Play-Based Learning That Builds Strong Skills

Our curriculum blends exploration, early academics, and hands-on experiences to grow curious thinkers and joyful learners. Through developmentally strong instruction, children build readiness skills in literacy, early math, problem-solving, social-emotional growth, and executive functioning.

Signature Enrichment Experiences

Your child’s days are filled with meaningful, joyful learning through:

  • Mindful Musicians - monthly music enrichment that boosts creativity, rhythm, and emotional expression
  • Library Time - children develop early literacy through stories, ead-alouds, and early book-handling skills
  • Indoor Gym - large motor play that builds coordination, confidence, and healthy movement
  • Green Outdoor Spaces - natural play areas that inspire imagination, sensory exploration, and connection with God's creation

A Safe, Caring, High-Quality Environment

Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed and age-appropriate, creating warm and engaging spaces where children feel safe to try new things and build independence. With consistent routines, caring teachers, and strong schoolwide support systems, families can trust that their child is in excellent hands.

Leaders in the Making

As part of a Leader in Me school system, we help children discover their strengths and learn important life habits—beginning with simple leadership skills like taking turns, using kind words, and helping others.

A Community That Feels Like Family

Families often tell us that Holy Family feels like home. We partner closely with parents, celebrate milestones together, and build strong connections within each parish school. When your child starts their journey with us, you become part of the Golden Eagle family.

All Holy Family Early childhood centers participate in the Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, which provides free pre-K to Iowa residents turning four by September 15. All of the centers also provide convenient wrap-around care for their preschool and pre-K students.

Our programs include:

  • 3-year-old Preschool
  • 4-year-old Pre-K
  • Pre-K Plus
  • Wrap-Around Care
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Enrollment Timeline:

Holy Family offers priority enrollment to siblings of current K-12 students and children of staff members, followed by members of a Catholic supporting parish. Remaining spots for preschool and pre-K programs will be offered to the general public via online registration beginning Tuesday, December 9.

  • Dec. 1, 2025: Preschool and Pre-K enrollment opens to current families
  • Dec. 4, 2025: Preschool and Pre-K enrollment opens to supporting parish members
  • Dec. 9, 2025: Preschool and Pre-K enrollment opens to new families
Click headers to expand program descriptions:

Locations and Programs

Holy Ghost Early Childhood Center

2981 Central Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001
Ph: (563) 204-6223
Fax: (563) 556-4768

Hours: 5:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. year-round

Programming Offered at Holy Ghost

  • Eagle Care school-age before- and after-school, summer, and non-school-day or inclement-weather-day care
  • Year-round childcare for infants through age 10
  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5 days) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m. and p.m.) with optional wrap-around services
Valentine_Anita

Anita Valentine
Early Childhood Director

avalentine@holyfamilydbq.org

Our Lady of Guadalupe Early Childhood Center

2005 Kane Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Ph: (563) 227-3390
Fax: (563) 585-1987

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. during regular school calendar

Programming Offered at Our Lady Early Childhood

  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5, 3, or 2 days per week) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (Spanish a.m. or dual-language 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services
  • Eagle Care before- and after-school care for Our Lady K-5 students
Pothoff_Tina

Tina Pothoff
Early Childhood Director
tpothoff@holyfamilydbq.org

Resurrection Early Childhood Center

4320 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002

Ph: (563) 227-3983
Fax: (563) 557-7995

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. during regular school calendar.

Programming Offered at Resurrection Early Childhood

  • Eagle Care school-age before- and after-school, summer, and non-school-day or inclement-weather-day care
  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5, 3, or 2 days per week) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m. or 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services
  • Eagle Care before- and after-school care for Resurrection K-5 students
  • Eagles Day Camp summer care
Burke_Emily

Emily Burke
Early Childhood Director

eburke@holyfamilydbq.org

St. Columbkille Early Childhood Center

1220 Rush St., Dubuque, IA 52003
Ph: (563) 278-3281
Fax: (563) 583-4884

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. during regular school calendar.

Programming Offered at St. Columbkille Early Childhood

  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5 days per week) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m. or 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services
  • Eagle Care before- and after-school care for St. Columbkille K-5 students
Weidenbacher_Marcelline

Marcy Weidenbacher
Early Childhood Director
mweidenbacher@holyfamilydbq.org

St. Joseph the Worker Early Childhood Center

2105 St. Joseph St., Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 235-2036
Fax: (563) 588-3960

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. year-round.

Programming Offered at St. Joseph the Worker Early Childhood

  • Eagle Care school-age before- and after-school, summer, and non-school-day or inclement-weather-day care
  • Year-round childcare for infants through age 10
  • Preschool: 3-year-old (5 days) with optional wrap-around services
  • Pre-K: 4-year-old (a.m., p.m. or 5-hour Pre-K Plus) with optional wrap-around services