How many children are in a classroom?
Each classroom has a maximum of 20 students. There is one teacher and one teaching assistant.
Is Pre-K an all day program?
Yes! Pre-K classrooms follow the same school hours as the school in which they are located. The Pre-K program is NOT a drop in program and attendance is reported to the state department.
What is free or reduced lunch?
Free or reduced lunch is the National School Lunch Program that is intended to direct benefits to those most in need. The guidelines are revised annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Is transportation provided for Pre-K?
Yes! Shelby County provides bus transportation for Pre-K children who live in the attendance zone of the Pre-Kindergarten class. Furthermore, children weighing less than 40 pounds and are less than 40 inches tall are provided with installed child restraint seats on their Shelby County bus. Parents who are requesting transfers are responsible for providing transportation to and from the school.
Is there a specific curriculum used in Pre-K?
Yes! SCS Pre-K classrooms use a variety of age appropriate materials to provide the best Pre-K experience possible. Language skills are developed using “Let’s Begin with the Letter People” and "LeapFrog Schoolhouse". Math skills are strengthened using “Growing with Mathematics” and “City Steps.” In addition, the classrooms have several educational games and manipulatives that encourage exploration and learning.
Who may apply for the Pre-K class?
Parents of children who are 4 years of age on or before September 30th of the current school year and are zoned for Shelby County Schools.
What if I choose to wait and start my child in kindergarten at the age of 6? Would he/she be able to attend Pre-K class at the age of 5?
No, the Pre-Kindergarten program is only for children who are 4 years of age by September 30th of the current school year.
Is it first come, first serve on the applications?
No, every applicant will be considered for enrollment based on the qualifying at-risk factors.
Why must each child go through an interview/screening?
Due to state regulations on the teacher/child ratio, enrollment is limited. In order to place the children who are most in need of the class, screenings are given when the Pre-K teachers meet the children to determine the current developmental level of each child in regards to readiness for school. The interviews/screenings will take place during the application process.
What can I expect on the interview/screening day?
During the interview, the child will go with a Pre-K teacher to complete a developmental screening. This screening consists of language, cognitive and gross motor skills.
Do children with disabilities received preference to attend Pre-K?
Children with disabilities, who otherwise meet the entrance requirements for any preschool program, can be considered for enrollment but do not receive preference in the enrollment process.
Currently, I live outside of Shelby County but I am moving to Shelby County. Can my child sign up for Pre-Kindergarten?
No, you must live in Shelby County at the time of the application process.
My child does not turn four until October 1st. Where can my child attend school this year?
Unfortunately, your child will not be eligible for Pre-K. A student must turn four by September 30th of the current school year in order to be eligible for Pre-K.
My first child was in a Pre-K program. Will my other children be able to attend?
All children must meet entrance requirements, even if they have siblings who participated in Pre-K programs in the past.
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