Monroe, NC – It’s time for NC Pre-Kindergarten registration in Union County.
**Update, the registration period is extended**
Registration has been extended for NC Pre-kindergarten classes in Union County.
Openings are limited, and parents must complete registration by May 30.
Children who will be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31 may be eligible for free pre-kindergarten classes, administered by Union Smart Start and the North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Program. Classes will begin in the fall.
Studies show that students in high quality pre-kindergarten classes are more likely to succeed in grades K-12. In addition, adults who received high-quality early education are more likely to graduate from high school, outperform on literacy tests as young adults, to be employed at age 40, have higher income, own their homes and have fewer arrests.
Pre-K classes follow the Union County Public Schools calendar, with some programs on a year-round schedule and others on the traditional August to June schedule, depending on location.
Classes are held five days a week for 6.5 hours each day in public schools and in four- or five-star licensed child care centers.
Transportation may be provided.
NC Pre-K classes are held five days a week for 6.5 hours each day in four or five-star licensed child care centers.
Classes are small, limited to a maximum of 18 children, and each lead teacher is college-educated with birth-kindergarten licensure.
Teachers focus on literacy, numbers, motor skills and problem solving techniques to ensure that children are prepared to become successful kindergarteners the following year.
To register a child, parents must provide the child’s birth certificate, the parent’s current pay stub, 2011 W-2 form or family tax records and two proofs of residence, such as a cable, tax or electricity bill or a lease agreement.
Applications and eligibility criteria are available at:
Department of Social Services – 1212 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe
Union Smart Start – 105 Cedar St., Monroe
ChildTime In Monroe – 1714 N. Charlotte Ave., Monroe
ChildTime In Indian Trail – 120 Business Park Dr., Indian Trail
Walter Bickett Education Center – 501 Lancaster Ave., Monroe
Online at www.UnionSmartStart.org
For more information, call (704) 238-8917 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Children who will be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31 may be eligible for free pre-kindergarten classes, administered by Union Smart Start and the North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Program.
Registration ends on April 20, and any applications accepted after April 20 will be placed on the waiting list.
This NC Pre-Kindergarten initiative provides high quality programs using Creative Curriculum that focuses on preparing children in developmentally appropriate ways to be successful kindergarteners the following year.
Emphasis is placed on literacy, numbers, math, fine and gross motor development and problem solving.
“Many studies have shown that students in high quality pre-kindergarten classes are more likely to succeed in grades K-12,” said Mary Ann Rasberry, executive director of Union Smart Start.
In addition, adults who received high-quality early education are more likely to graduate from high school, outperform on literacy tests as young adults, be employed at age 40, have higher income, own their homes and have fewer arrests.
This year, more than 430 Union County children are enrolled in NC Pre-K at 16 sites, down from 546 children due to a 20 percent cut in state funding.
Donna Griggs, owner of Kids are First in Stallings, is thrilled with the NC Pre-K program. “These children are at risk, they have a need,” she emphasized. “We need to make certain that at-risk children do well in kindergarten and first grade – that’s why pre-kindergarten is so important.”
Children who have been identified as at-risk may simply need extra time to prepare for kindergarten, or they haven’t been in a structured pre-school program, haven’t had the opportunity for social interaction or they have difficulty speaking English.
Children in NC Pre-K:
Learn about letters, colors, shapes and numbers
Learn to develop positive relationships with peers and teachers
Listen to stories and learn about books
Explore math, science, art and music
Expand language skills
Develop a positive sense of self and an enthusiasm for learning
Explore and play outside daily
NC Pre-K classes are held five days a week for 6.5 hours each day in four or five-star licensed child care centers. Classes are small, and each lead teacher has a college degree with birth-kindergarten licensure.
To register a child, parents must provide the child’s birth certificate, the parent’s current paystub, 2011 W-2 form or family tax records and two proofs of residence, such as a cable, tax or electricity bill or a lease agreement.
Openings are limited. Applications and eligibility criteria are available at:
Union Smart Start, 105 Cedar St., Monroe
www.UnionSmartStart.org
Union County Department of Social Services, 1212 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe
If you have questions about NC Pre-K registration, contact Union Smart Start at (704) 238-8917.
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