The Small Wonders Learning Center provides a fun recreational and social program with a structured curriculum for children ages 3 to 6 (must be toilet trained). Children will enjoy a broad range of activities such as arts and crafts, counting exercises, science projects, story time, outside play, and singing.
Admission Procedure & Enrollments
To begin the admission process for Small Wonders Preschool, contact Small Wonders staff for space availability. Full-time and part- time positions are offered at both locations. Each program does have enrollment capacities. If the program is full, your child will be placed on a wait list.
City of Sparks Parks and Recreation utilizes ePACT in lieu of paper emergency information forms. ePACT is a secure online system that allows parents to easily monitor and update their contact information, emergency contacts, and pick-up list. All participants are required to have a complete ePACT emergency form on file prior to registering for the Small Wonders childcare program. Required vaccination/medical documentation must also be uploaded to ePACT.
New customers are required to come in person to establish a household to become eligible to register for ePACT. A photo ID is required.
Steps to Complete Your ePACT Account
- Contact or visit the Parks & Recreation Department Admin Office at 98 Richards Way, 775-353-2376, and request an ePACT email invitation.
- Click the ePACT link within the email invitation and follow the steps to create your account. You will receive an invitation email for each child. Please be sure to set up accounts for each individual child through the corresponding invitation.
- Click the orange "Share with the City of Sparks Parks & Recreation" button at the completion of your ePACT account setup to submit the completed form.
- Notify the Parks and Recreation office that your ePACT emergency form is completed.
- Upon verification of a completed ePACT emergency information form, you will be allowed to register for programs online, over the phone, or in-person.
Changes and updates to the ePACT account can be made at any time online by the parent or legal guardian who created the account. Only those names listed on the child’s ePACT under parent, legal guardian, emergency contact, or pick up list will be permitted to pick up the child(ren). A parent cannot give permission over the phone to allow his or her child to leave the program with someone who is not listed on the ePACT account. Picture ID is required of everyone picking up a child from the program (unless a high-resolution photo of the person’s face is uploaded to the child(ren)’s ePACT account).
Locations
- Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd., 775-353-7801
- Full-time Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Larry D. Johnson Community Center, 1200 12th St., 775-353-7815
- Full-time Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Registration & Payment Policy
To become eligible to register for the childcare program, a recreation household account must be established in person. Once the household has been established and the ePACT emergency information is submitted, registration for the program may begin. Payment options are available by telephone, in person at the office, or online. Children may not attend any program before payment is received. Staff will not accept children without payment into programs.
Small Wonders tuition is due weekly. Please contact Alf Sorenson for exact rates. Weekly tuition must be paid by Friday for the upcoming week, or late fees may be assessed. Online payments will be charged a processing fee. This fee is collected by a third-party credit card processing company, and not the City of Sparks. The Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to adjust fees for programs, services, and facility usage at any time without prior notice.
Program Closures/Cancellations
In the event of extreme weather conditions, the program may either close or have a delayed start. If Washoe County School District has a delayed start or canceled day, Small Wonders Learning Center may remain open, but with reduced hours. However, if deemed necessary for the safety of staff and students, the program will be closed. Families will be notified of program delayed starts or closures. Household credits will be applied to your account if a cancellation occurs.
Small Wonders Family Handbook
Please note: Parks & Recreation reserves the right to adapt and change policies on an as-needed basis. Program comments, concerns, and requests for special accommodations can be directed to Emily Treischel, Preschool Director.
For additional program details and costs contact the Alf Sorensen Community Center at (775) 353-2385.