02 Feb 2022 PCSSD begins Pre-K registration
By Jessica Duff
Students entering Pre-Kindergarten are now eligible to register at the Pulaski County Special School District.
The PCSSD Pre-K program is part of the Arkansas Better Chance program and supported by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. It provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to build on through kindergarten and into elementary school.
“The PCSSD Pre-K curriculum is embedded throughout the school day,” said Nikki Stolzer, PCSSD Pre-K Director. “It is in every routine, activity, action, and interaction. Our program is committed to creating an environment where children can unfold and explore.”
PCSSD Pre-K program, students must meet age requirements: Pre-K 4 students must be 4 on or before Aug. 1, 2022. Pre-K 3 students must be 3 on or before Aug. 1, 2022.
Age-eligible children must also meet one of the following:
• Family with gross income not exceeding 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Parents without a high school diploma or GED
• Low birth weight (below 5 pounds, 9 ounces)
• Parent under the age of 18 at the time of child’s birth
• Immediate family member with documented history of substance abuse/addiction
• Child has a developmental delay as identified through screening
• Eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• Limited English proficiency
• Parent has a history of abuse or neglect or is a victim of abuse or neglect (documented)
An age-eligible child who falls into one of the following categories is exempt from the family income requirements: foster child, child in custody of/or living with a family member other than the mother or father, child with immediate family member arrested for or convicted of drug-related offense, child with parent activated for overseas military duties.
Another option available to PCSSD families is our DRIVEN Virtual Academy. This is a 100% online school for students K-12. Nearly 600 students were enrolled in DRIVEN for the first semester of this school year.
“Many families have realized that their students thrive with flexible learning,” said Rachel Blackwell, digital learning facilitator. “Families can expect to build a partnership and relationships with their student(s) teachers. Content is updated each week so families can work with a teacher or independently.”
Students currently enrolled in PCSSD can fill out a letter of intent to return for the 2022-2023 school which can be found at PCSSD.org/register. Registration for students new to the district will open March 1.
About PCSSD
Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in Central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 25 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.
PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
