The goal of the Wilson County Schools Voluntary Pre-K Program is to provide 4-year old children with the learning experiences they need in order to help them succeed in Kindergarten.The Pre-K Program helps prepare children for school by providing an opportunity for them to develop school readiness skills in an environment that fosters the love and joy of learning.Participation in the Pre-K Program helps children develop pre-academic and social skills that will help them in their educational career.

The Wilson County Schools Pre-Kindergarten Program targets at-risk 4-year olds, with first priority given to children whose family income meets the federal poverty guidelines. The following information will help answer your questions about the program. If you have additional questions, please email Jenn Moreland, Pre-K Lead.

HOW DOES MY CHILD QUALIFY FOR THE PRE-K PROGRAM?

1st Priority for enrollment is given to children who:

• Turn four years old by August 15, 2021
• The family meets federal income poverty guidelines

2nd priority for enrollment is given to children who:

• Have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
• Are in State or Foster Care
• Are an English Language Learner
• Have a parent deployed in active military duty

Any additional spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis (based on the received application date and need.) Families will be notified this summer if additional spaces are available.

This is an application process. Admittance to the program is based on the priorities listed above.

DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE VOLUNTARY PRE-K APPLICATION

• Visit Pre-K Enrollment
• Read through the information then click on New Student Enrollment at the bottom of the page
• Scroll to Instructions for Completing Online Enrollment
• Read through the two options (currently have a student enrolled in WCS and need to enroll a new student OR you are new to the WCS system)
• Follow the directions under the option that applies to you
• Complete application and upload required documents. You will not be able to go back in and upload documents once submitted.
• Once you have submitted your complete application, the Pre-K department will review and process your application, and someone will contact you regarding your application status.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER REGISTRATION?

The income eligibility worksheet will be reviewed by the Wilson County Schools Pre-K staff to determine eligibility. The Pre-K Coordinator will review the At-Risk questionnaires to take into consideration any other eligibility factors.

WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF MY CHILD IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PRE-K PROGRAM?

Once we have received all required documents and determined your family's income eligibility, you will be contacted to let you know whether or not your child meets the priority placement in the Pre-K program by June 1, 2020.

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT QUALIFY?

Your child’s name will be placed on a waiting list. Any additional spaces will be filled on a first come-first serve basis (based on the received application date). Children in this category will be notified by the start of the school year to see if you are still interested in the Pre-K program if additional spaces are available. As space becomes available throughout the year, we will contact you to see if you would still like placement for your child.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IF MY CHILD IS ACCEPTED IN THE PRE-K PROGRAM?

We will verify that all required documents have been uploaded to Skyward. You will need to upload your child’s birth certificate, social security card, complete immunizations, W-2 or most recent tax return, EBT or WIC card (if applicable),two proofs of residence, custody papers (if applicable) physical and dental forms before school starts. If you are unable to upload these documents you can mail a copy to Voluntary Pre-K 415 Harding Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087.

IS BUS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FOR PRE-K STUDENTS?

Transportation is provided by the parents or guardians. Bus transportation is not available.

WHERE ARE THE PRE-K CLASSES LOCATED?

Current Locations:

• Carroll Oakland School

• Elzie Patton Elementary

• Rutland Elementary

• Southside School

• Springdale Elementary

• W.A. Wright Elementary

• Watertown Elementary

• West Elementary

WHERE WOULD MY CHILD ATTEND PRE-K IF A CLASS IS NOT LOCATED IN OUR ZONED SCHOOL?

Eligible students zoned to a school that has a Pre-K class get first priority for that school. If space is available at a class near you, your child will be able to attend that Pre-K class even though it is not your zoned school. Pre-K is voluntary and parents provide transportation.

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR MY CHILD TO ATTEND THE PRE-K PROGRAM?

There is not a charge for children to attend the Pre-K program. If you do not qualify for free or reduced meals, you will be required to pay for breakfast and lunch provided by the school cafeteria. Outside lunches are not permitted.

WHAT ARE THE PRE-K CLASS HOURS?

Pre-K students go to school 5½ hours each school day. Typically, Pre-K students start school 15 minutes after all other students begin and end 1 hour before all other students dismiss.

DO PRE-K STUDENTS COME TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY?

Yes. Daily attendance is critical for your child in order to be ready for Kindergarten. When a child is absent, please send a doctors excuse or parent note to school the next day. Students that miss consistently may be asked to give up their spot in the class to another eligible child.

IS BEFORE AND AFTER DAYCARE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-K STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL?

We do not provide any before or after daycare for our students.

WHAT DO PRE-K STUDENTS WEAR TO SCHOOL?

Pre-K students follow the standard dress code adopted by the Wilson County Board of Education. A copy of the dress code is available on the Wilson County Schools website.

IS BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AVAILABLE FOR PRE-K STUDENTS?

Yes. All children in the Pre-K program are expected to eat the meals provided at school. Children in the Pre-K program are served a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack daily. Many children are very “picky” eaters. Our school nutrition staff provides a variety of choices for your child. The Pre-K students eat “family style” in their classroom or in the cafeteria. Meals are a teaching and learning time. We encourage children to try new foods and expand their tastes. Packed lunches or outside food are not to be sent for your child in order to comply with the goals of our program.

WHAT DO CHILDREN DO IN THE PRE-K PROGRAM?

When you walk into our high-quality Pre-K classrooms, you will see children involved in active, hands-on learning that engages each child and fosters a love of learning. Activities are designed to enhance a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn through participation in both large and small group activities. Play is essential to the development of strong learners. We follow the TN Early Learning Developmental Standards and the TN Childcare Rules and Regulations that state that children must show evidence that they can follow self-care routines.

For more information on applying, visit Pre-K Program Enrollment.