Lauderdale County Schools revamp pre-k program

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. - The Lauderdale County School District is revamping its pre-kindergarten program for elementary schools beginning in the fall. The program is funded with a $200,000 grant by the Phil Hardin Foundation and Title 1 funds.

“This helps students to get ready for kindergarten," said Williams. "It also helps them understand what school even looks like so that when they come, it’s not as intimidating as when they have that year to prepare.”

At the age of 4, students will be able to adapt to the traditional school routine earlier. Each pre-k class will consist of 20 students with a certified teacher and assistant.

Applications for the pre-k program begin today. Williams says parents can access the application online, at the school district or each elementary campus. The deadline for applications is April 16th. After applications are received, students will go through a screening process, which will be held in the first two weeks of May.

“Those students will come on those elementary campuses and we will give a very short academic screener to see where those students are," said Williams.

After screenings, the district will narrow students down to those who have the most needs and notify parents by the end of May if they’re child is eligible for the program.

“The research shows that this helps students to be more successful in school," said Williams. "Hopefully by helping those students at a younger age, we’re able to intervene at a younger age so we don’t have to intervene when they get a little older.”

Williams says hopefully the district will create a program for 3-year-olds in the future.