What You Need to Know about Pre-K Registration
Published March 6, 2015
That time of year is upon us! Pre-kindergarten registration is now underway for the 2015-16 school year.
The Williamson County Schools pre-K program is designed to help children prepare for kindergarten and succeed in the school environment. Pre-K classes are open zoned to all eligible four-year-olds in Williamson County.
Children of families of financial need are given priority. If space is still available then children who meet local at-risk criteria as established by WCS Pre-K Advisory Council will be accepted into the program.
Applications can be submitted online at https://old.wcs.edu/schools/pre-kindergarten/pre-kindergarten-application/. A list of frequently asked questions can be found below:
Is there an application deadline?
All applications need to be submitted by April 24, 2015.
Do all schools have the Pre-Kindergarten program?
No, pre-K class locations are determined each year by the needs of the district as well as space availability within the schools. Only one application should be submitted online for your child. In the case of multiple children, one application should be completed for each child. All applications will be considered for the program. More than one application submitted for the same child will only hinder the application process.
Would my child be able to attend the pre-K class at the age of 5?
No, the pre-K program is only for children who are four years of age using the birth date guidelines stated in the above question (August 15, 2015). This is a Tennessee State Law for all voluntary pre-K programs.
What happens next, after I turn in the application for my child?
After you submit your child’s application you will be contacted by email or phone to schedule your interview appointment and child screening. All applicants will receive an opportunity for a parent interview/child screening. Interviews/screenings are held during in different parts of the county during the months of March/April/May.
Is it first come, first serve on the applications?
No, every applicant will be considered for enrollment but all interested parents are encouraged to turn in applications as soon as possible to set up an interview and screening appointment.
What is the interview/screening for?
Due to state regulations on the ratio of child/teacher, enrollment is limited. In order to place the children who are most in need of the class, a meeting with the pre-K teacher is held to discuss individual children in a confidential setting. The screening is for the pre-K teachers to meet the children as well as to determine the current developmental level of the child in regards to readiness for school. The interviews/screenings will take place in several areas around the county. This does not necessarily mean your child will attend a particular school. This is determined after all applications and documentation are reviewed.
What can I expect on the interview/screening day?
During your scheduled appointment one parent/guardian will meet with a pre-K teacher to complete the parent interview portion of the process. During the interview, your child will go with a member of the pre-K staff to complete a developmental screening. This screening consists of language, cognitive and motor skills. You will also meet with the pre-K coordinator to verify your documentation regarding child’s date of birth, proof of residency in Williamson County and income eligibility.
Do I need to bring my child to the interview appointment?
Yes, your child DOES need to be present when you come to the interview in order for your child to complete the child’s screening part of the application process. Applications are not considered for placement until both the parent interview and child screening are completed.
What do I need to bring to the interview?
You will need to bring the following: a copy of your child’s legal birth certificate (not the mother’s copy) and two proofs of residency in Williamson County- utility bills (gas, water, electric) cable/satellite (cell phone bills and credit card statements are not accepted as proof of residency). You will also need to bring proof of household income such as a recent pay stub(s), 2014 Tax Return or 2014 W-2(‘s) or proof of federal or state assistance for all those who live in the 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. A confidential meeting with each parent/guardian gives the teacher insight into a child’s development and experiences. This time is also an opportunity for the parents/guardians to discuss with the teacher any other information that is helpful in determining the child’s placement in the program. Priority is given to children of families with financial need.
Do the pre-K classes use peer models?
No, all of the children enrolled in the pre-K classes qualify for the program through specific at-risk criteria of each child applicant. The Special Education Early Childhood Programs do have peer models enrolled. The early childhood program has morning and afternoon classes which meet on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for information regarding the early childhood preschool programs and peer model applications please contact Student Support Services at (615) 472-4130.
What are the hours/days of the pre-K class?
The pre-K classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The classes follow the Williamson County Schools calendar unless otherwise notified.
Is before/after school care available for my child?
Yes, each of our pre-K programs have before/after schools programs in our schools. This service is provided at a cost through either the YMCA Fun Company or Williamson County’s School-Age Child Care (SACC) depending on which school your child is enrolled.
Since this is preschool, 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 has a temperature or showing other symptoms of an illness. Daily attendance and tardiness 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.
Who/what determines which children are accepted into the class?
Priority placement for classes is given to children of families of financial need. If after all priority placements are made and space is still available, parent interviews/child screening information is used to rank children from highest need to lowest need and the class is filled in this order. Every effort is made to place the child at his/her kindergarten zoned school but if not available then the child is placed at another school. The pre-K team work together to ensure the integrity of this program and the application process.
Is transportation provided for the pre-K program?
No, transportation is NOT provided for the pre-K students. Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting the child to and from school each day. WCS school bus service is provided only for children enrolled in grades K-12.
Is there a cost for this program?
No, there is not a weekly or monthly cost for this class. Before/after care is available at an additional cost. Before and after care prices can be obtained from the providers after your child is accepted into the pre-k program.
When will I know if my child is accepted into the class?
The WCS Pre-K program is state funded and notification of funding is not confirmed until the WCS school budget has been passed by the WCS County Commission in July. The number of classrooms is determined by funding and all class placements will be determined once funding has been secured. You will be notified by mail if your child is accepted for the pre-K program. This letter will state which school your child has been selected to attend for pre-K. 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. You will also receive a letter if your child is not accepted, he/she will be placed on a waiting list in the event of space becoming available at a later date. The acceptance letter will contain information concerning enrollment materials and procedures to ensure your child’s place in the class.
What will I need to have for enrollment?
- If your child is accepted into a pre-K program your acceptance letter will notify you of enrollment dates and procedures. You will need the following documents in order to enroll your child at the school office:
- An official copy of your child’s birth certificate
- The Tennessee State Health and Immunization Record (which can be obtained from your child’s doctor or the Williamson County Health Department)
- 2 proofs of residency in Williamson County (these include: Gas, Water, or Electric Bills. If you are living with relatives or another resident of Williamson County, you will need to complete additional documents to prove your residence in Williamson County
- Custody Information including all parenting plans
What if I'm moving to Williamson County after the application deadline?
Families may contact the pre-K coordinator to inquire about pre-K availability as well as obtain an application to complete for their child. Residency in Williamson County will need to be verified.
For additional information, contact WCS Pre-K Coordinator Karen Robison at (615) 472-4140.