Voluntary PreK FAQ
What is the Voluntary Pre-K program?
The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) is a state funded readiness program for at-risk children who are four (4) years of age on August 15. “At-risk” is defined by the state as economically disadvantaged. Due to state funding, there are limited classrooms available in Wilson County – priority placement is given to families that are economically disadvantaged. The VPK program provides a foundation for learning and successful transition to the school environment.
Who may apply for the Pre-K class?
Parents/Legal Guardians of children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15 and are zoned for Wilson County Schools.
What if I currently do not have a Wilson County residence but my family is planning to move to Wilson County?
Families may complete an application with their current residential address (street, city, state, zip code). In the additional information section of the application, parents will need to provide the approximate move date and the Wilson County residential address if known. Parents may also state additional information regarding the relocation. Families may complete the application process but will be kept “on hold”. Once the family has moved and resides in Wilson County, a placement decision will be provided. Students must reside in WIlson County and be zoned for Wilson County Schools.
How do I apply for the Pre-K program?
All applications are submitted online on the Wilson County Schools District website.
What happens next, after I turn in the application for my child?
After you submit your child/children’s application, your application will be reviewed based on the eligibility guidelines set by the Tennessee Department of Early Learning. Once the application has been submitted with all required documents, It will be processed. You will be notified if your child is accepted into the program or has been placed on the waiting list.
What if I have multiple children who are age-eligible for the Pre-K program?
In the case of multiple children, complete an application for each child. All applications will be considered for placement. More than one application submitted for the same child will only hinder the application process.
What if I choose to wait and start my child in kindergarten at the age of 6? Would he/she be able to attend the Pre-K class at age 5?
No, the Pre-K program is only available for children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15, using the birthdate guidelines. This is a Tennessee State Law for all Voluntary Pre-K programs (VPK).
Is it first come, first serve on the application?
No, every application will be reviewed for eligibility, but all interested parents are encouraged to turn in applications as soon as possible to be considered for enrollment.
When will I know if my child is accepted into the class?
Upon completion of the Income Verification process, families will be notified of an eligibility decision by EMAIL. If a child has been accepted, you will receive an email in the summer to let you know which school your child will be enrolled at. Every effort is made to place the child at a school closest to the child’s home. You will be able to confirm your acceptance to the class list or you may deny your child’s placement and participation in the program. The acceptance letter will contain information concerning enrollment procedures to confirm your child’s place in the class. You will also be notified if your child does not meet the income eligibility for acceptance into a Pre-K classroom. All children accepted into PreK will need to be screened before a classroom placement is determined.
Does every elementary school have a Pre-K class?
No, the TN State Department of Education does not provide enough funding for a pre-k program in every elementary school in our county.
Which schools have a Pre-K class?
Pre-K classes are housed inside elementary schools throughout the Wilson County Schools District. Each school year, the locations are determined based on the applications received and the needs of the district as well as space availability within the elementary schools. Pre-K classes may be moved from one school to another to best serve the families of Wilson County. For the 2025-2026 school year, Voluntary PreK classes will be at the following schools:
Carroll Oakland
Elzie Patton Elementary
Mt Juliet Elementary*
Rutland Elementary
Southside*
Springdale Elementary*
Stoner Creek Elementary*
W A Wright Elementary*
Watertown Elementary
(*denotes schools which also have Special Education PreK and Integrated PreK classrooms)
What determines eligibility for children to be accepted into the class?
Priority placement for classes is given to children of families who are eligible due to financial need, based on the US Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines, as well as dependent children whose parent was killed as a direct result of injuries received as a result of war, or is or has been officially reported as a prisoner of war or missing in action. If after all income eligible students are placed and space is still available, additional applicants are considered for placement based on his/her individual need. Every effort is made to place the child at his/her kindergarten zoned school but if not available then the child is placed at a Pre-K school closest to their home.
What is considered “need” for the Pre-K class?
All children develop differently therefore children’s needs are also defined differently. A child may need help in social areas, emotional development, academic preparation, or environmental stability. There are many factors which determine a child’s success in school.
What if I have concerns about my child’s development?
Wilson County, in compliance with federal and state law, provides a service called Child Find. Child Find is a screening to find children who live within the district, who may need special education services and support. All PreK applicants will need to be screened before a classroom placement is determined.
What are the hours and days of the Pre-K class?
The Pre-K class meets Monday through Friday from 7:45 am to 1:45 pm. The Pre-K class follows the Wilson County Schools calendar unless otherwise specified for the Pre-K program. Attendance is required for all five days each week for the entire Pre-K Day (6 hours).
Since this is Pre-Kindergarten, does my child need to attend every day?
Yes, all children enrolled in a Pre-K class are required to attend every day. Attendance is very important for a successful year of learning. Your child is expected to attend school every day and on time unless he/she fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, vomiting, or showing other symptoms of a contagious illness (following the WCS Illness Guidelines). Daily attendance, including tardiness/early dismissal, is reported and recorded in the school’s system and reported to the State Department of Education, the same as for children in grades K-12. Not following the attendance guidelines may affect a child’s continued enrollment in the Pre-K program.
Is before/after care available for my child?
Before/After care is not a component of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program.
Is transportation provided for the Pre-K program?
No, transportation is NOT provided for Pre-K students. Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting the child To and From school each day.
Do I have to pay tuition for my child to attend the WCS Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program?
The VPK program is a TN State funded program and there is not a weekly or monthly cost for enrollment.
What does a Pre-K class look like?
In a WCS Pre-K class, you will find 20 children in a play-based classroom environment involved in active, hands-on learning. Teachers plan and deliver high-quality instructional lessons and activities based on the TN Early Learning Development Standards and implementing the Connect4Learning curriculum for the children to learn through participation in both a large and small group setting.