TRENTON — It’s never too early to enroll your child into a pre-kindergarten program, which Jones County’s educational community advises.
The county’s registration dates fall between April 15 and 18, but parents can complete a registration form at the Jones County Board of Education any time before then.
The Partnership for Children, the organization that warrants Pre-K programs, operates on a first-come, first-serve basis depending on the child’s eligibility.
For instance, families at or below the 75 percent state median income level will receive priority because it is considered at-risk. Parents have additional materials required at the time of registration, including the child’s birth certificate and immunization records.
While there are five classes in Jones County, housed at each of the elementary schools — two at Maysville Elementary School — some children are still placed on waiting lists.
Each preschool class holds 18 students. Last year, Jones County Partnership services, called Smart Start, served 81 of them.
“(We) are hoping to at least serve that many in 2013-14,” said Norma Sermon-Boyd, Smart Start executive director. “While we make every effort to enroll every eligible child in our N.C. Pre-K classes at each of the four elementary schools, it is imperative that the parents register at these sites early.”
Pollocksville Elementary School Pre-K teacher Janice Mozingo said registering early is helpful in case parents leave out any required documents.
She added additional benefits to Pre-K programs in general include socializing and educational centers, such as those built around math, science or music.
“We do a lot of reading activities and games that promote early learning,” said Mozingo, a Pre-K teacher for six years. “(Preschool) helps them get off to a great start with their scholastic career.”
She said the children are on a schedule like the rest of the students. The school provides breakfast, lunch and a snack, and the preschoolers also go on field trips.
“The children learn how to interact at an early age,” said Cheryl Ward, the school district’s education programs assistant. “They’re getting ready for kindergarten.”
Children must be 4-years-old on or before Aug. 31 to enroll, and parents can call the school system to schedule a registration appointment before or after the set dates.
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
Pre-K Registration Dates:
All times are from 9 a.m. to noon
- Trenton Elementary, April 15; 252-448-3441
- Comfort Elementary, April 16; 910-324-4249
- Maysville Elementary, April 17; 910-743-5191
- Pollocksville Elementary, April 18; 252-224-8071