31 Jan 2023 Building skills that help children prepare for kindergarten

By Jessica Duff

The Pulaski County Special School District is committed to providing a quality and equitable education to students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. PCSSD’s Pre-K program is a free, standards-based program that aims to build strong foundational skills that help prepare students for kindergarten.

Pre-K programs are available at 14 PCSSD elementary schools, including Crystal Hill Elementary and Oak Grove Elementary in the Maumelle Feeder.

“Pre-K teaches children about what it means to ‘work together,’ what it means to be a friend, and how a teacher really cares for you, and most importantly, how to be a friend to others,” said Oak Grove Elementary Pre-K teacher, Ms. Kim Lee. “This is the first experience for Pre-K children, so Pre-K builds a child’s confidence through consistency, structure, creativity and positivity. That is why children in Pre-K love school. Children learn that their classroom is a safe place they can learn.”

“Pre-K is such a great opportunity because the focus is really on learning to be around friends and with teachers through interactions, conversations and play,” said Crystal Hill Elementary Pre-K teacher Ms. Heather Castaldo. “They learn the social aspect, as well as learning how to navigate the emotions that come from big changes. We build foundations for learning in literacy, math, science, and social studies, as well as art, physical activities and music. All in all, our Pre-K students get to learn in an environment filled with fun, respect, learning and love.”

In order to attend Pre-K within the Pulaski County Special School District, families must meet at least one of the eligibility requirements issued by the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program, which can be found at pcssd.org.

Registration for PCSSD’s Pre-K program is now open and can also be found at pcssd.org. If you have specific questions related to PCSSD’s Pre-K program, contact the Pre-K Department at 501.234.2065.