Pre-K

Weakley County Pre-Kindergarten Program

Our Vision

Weakley County Schools believes children begin learning before they begin Kindergarten. Our mission is to prepare children and their families to be kindergarten ready. Early years are foundational learning years.

Preparing children for the future involves meeting the child at their developmental level and moving them forward though active learning experiences. Teaching the whole child includes areas of self-awareness, social and emotional development, self-help and independence, physical development, creative arts, as well as language, literacy, science and mathematics.

Working with families is vital to student success. Parents and families are important teachers for their children and key partners with school staff as together we envision a successful school career.

prek spots available

Pre-Kindergarten Eligibility

Pre-kindergarten program is a state funded readiness program for at-risk children who are 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 Weakley County and priority placement is given to families that are economically disadvantaged or to children who have lost a parent due to war. Other “at-risk” factors may be used to determine eligibility may include, but are not limited to: English as a second language, foster care, social-emotional behaviors, and family/environmental factors. The Voluntary Pre-K program provides a foundation for learning and successful transition to the school environment.

• Voluntary Pre-K is designed to help children prepare for kindergarten and succeed in the school environment. The program serves children who will be 4 years of age on or before August 15. Children turning 5 on or before August 15th are not eligible for Voluntary Pre-K.

Pre-Kindergarten Community Locations

Pre-K is currently offered in 5 convenient school locations including Dresden Elementary School, Gleason School, Greenfield School, Martin Primary School, and Sharon School.

pre-k locations

Why Does Pre-Kindergarten Matter?

Why does Pre-K matter? Attending pre-kindergarten benefits children in so many ways. A child’s brain is growing every day. Children are learning who they are as people and how to be independent. Preschool allows for that growth in kids. It gives young ones the opportunity to learn skills needed to begin building their lives with confidence.

infographic on why pre-k matters

Pre-Registration Details & What You Need to Know

Pre-registration allows for planning for the correct number of teachers, classroom space, materials that will be needed, scheduling of readiness screenings, and meeting the individual needs of students.

PRE-Kindergarten:
► Any child who is 4 years old on or before August 15, 2024 may apply.
► However, acceptance is determined on income eligibility set by the Department of Health and Human Services.
► The limit is 20 per Pre-K classroom.
► Applications are numbered as they are received.

Kindergarten:
► Any child who is 5 years old on or before August 15, 2024 may register for Kindergarten.
► Pre-registration DOES NOT replace kindergarten registration in the fall. Families of pre-registered kindergarten students will be contacted prior to the opening of school to schedule a time to visit the classroom and complete the registration process.

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR REGISTRATION:

Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
Child’s Social Security Card (Optional)
Immunization Record
2024 Proof of a Physical Exam (if available)
Proof of Residency
Pre-K applications must include proof of income