Mission Statement  

The mission of the Prekindergarten Program is to provide initial learning experiences to effectively help children develop and maintain the basic skills necessary for successful school performance.  

Application Criteria
Families may apply for Prekindergarten for the 2011-2012 school year if your child is four years old by September 1, 2011 and meets the following criteria:

• Resides within the identified school boundaries or is homeless
          Babysitter (daycare) transfers and/or sibling “tag-alongs” are not permitted
• Meets the income guidelines set by the 2011-2012 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for free and reduced meals.           
          Due to limited program space, no above income families will be placed on a waiting list or enrolled in Prekindergarten 
                                                                                or
•*Child exhibits a lack of readiness or demonstrates developmental delays as identified by an IEP placement or Early Entrance testing.  These children will be admitted on a space available basis. 
          Children eligible for Early Entrance testing must turn four between September 2-October 15  

Program Components  

• An adult-child ratio of 1:10, with an average group size of 20  
• Presentation of instruction through the Houghton Mifflin Pre-K Reading and Harcourt Mathematics Materials  
• Instruction based on developmentally appropriate indicators in the standards of the Voluntary State Curriculum  
• Hands-on active learning experiences  
• Large group, small group, and individual interactions  
• Transportation  
• Field Trips  
• School-Home Communications  

MSDE Frequently Asked Questions by Parents and Families-Prekindergarten