Online registration is open for this week to Irving ISD’s prekindergarten (PreK) program. For the 2016-2017 school year, Irving ISD is offering a half-day PreK to families that qualify, and full-day, tuition-based PreK at the district’s three early childhood schools.
According to the Texas Education Agency, kids who go to prekindergarten:
· are more prepared for kindergarten.
· have better reading and writing skills.
· do better in grades K – 12.
· have better social skills, behavior and conduct.
· have greater success in life.
The addition/inclusion of a full-day, tuition-based PreK will offer opportunities for families who are interested in a full-day program or who do not meet the requirements of the half-day program.
“Irving ISD has a number of programs designed to help students reach their maximum potential,” says Superintendent of Schools Jose L. Parra, Ed.D. “A full-day prekindergarten program is one more opportunity we have to prepare students for their future. Our full-day PreK classes will give students a strong foundation for reading, writing and problem solving. When students step out of PreK in the spring, they are prepared for the academic and social expectations of school.”
Benefits of full-day PreK in Irving ISD include:
· Rigorous curriculum prepares students for kindergarten and their future.
· Certified teachers are focused on the academic, social and emotional needs of 4 year olds.
· Cost of $100 a week for the full-day PreK program is competitive, compared to local private schools and daycare facilities.
· Instruction is all day, like grades K-12.
· Classes will be held at one of the three early childhood schools in Irving ISD, designed for young learners.
· The Amadi Guess Foundation provides an after-school program at no additional cost.
To be eligible for full-day, tuition-based PreK:
· Child and parent/guardian must be an Irving ISD resident.
· Child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2016.
To be eligible for free half-day PreK:
• Child must be 4 years old on or before September 1 , 2016.
• Meets one of the following requirements:
o family income based on federal lunch program guidelines
o primary language other than English
o homeless (according to McKinney-Vento definition)
o dependent of one who is currently in active military service, was injured as a result of active military service, or is the survivor of one killed in active military service
o child who currently or has ever been in the foster care system (requires a letter from the Department of Family and Protective Services)
Registration for both PreK programs is now available online at www.irvingisd.net/registration. Staff at the early childhood schools will be available between April 4 and May 20 (from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to assist with the online registration process, process required paperwork, begin the eligibility process and enroll.
For additional information about the PreK programs, visit www.irvingisd.net/prek or call 972-600-5050.
