PUTNAM COUNTY – Putnam County School System’s Voluntary Pre-K program is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year, which will begin July 30.
Applications are available at all elementary schools, as well as the Putnam Board of Education.
“We are excited to enroll our little learners this year,” said Allison Painter, Pre-K coordinator. “Once guardians fill out the application, they can call the Board of Education to schedule an appointment to have their child’s completed application reviewed for eligibility.”
In order to be eligible for the Voluntary Pre-K program, children should be four years old on or before August 15, 2021. Enrollment is based upon a child’s eligibility as identified in TVA- 49-6-101-104. First priority students are those identified as economically disadvantaged. This identification is based on income levels set each year by the Department of Health and Human Services. Other enrollment eligibilities include: children with disabilities, children identified as English Language Learners, are in state custody or those identified as educationally at-risk due to neglect or abuse.
However, there is something new for the 2021-2022 Voluntary Pre-K programs.
“If space continues to be available after placing all eligible four-year old children, income eligible three-year old children may be considered for placement in any of our classrooms across the district,” said Painter. “The school system would be looking specifically at placing three-year old children that turn four between Aug. 16 and Dec. 31, 2021.”
Jill Ramsey, Pre-K – 4 instructional supervisor adds, “Our goal is to assist families and the community in providing developmentally appropriate support and services. That includes education that prepares them for Kindergarten as well as meeting their physical needs by providing breakfast and lunch. I can truly say we have wonderful Pre-K teachers and assistants. They are fun and creative in their teaching and we are blessed to have them working in our school system with our children and families. We look forward to the fall and meeting all our new Pre-K students.”
The voluntary Pre-K classes participate in the Putnam County School System’s Child Nutrition Services, offering children breakfast and lunch. Some of the Pre-K program sites also offer extended care for working parents before and after school.
