What are early Childhood programs?

Definition

Early Childhood programs are for children that are not yet eligible for kindergarten. These programs include Pre-Kindergarten for three and four year olds and Early Childhood Special Eduation for two-five year olds.  Quality early learning experiences are an essential element to preparing children to succeed.

Purpose

Mecklenburg County Public Schools operate certified preschool programs at all four of our elementary schools. In addition, MCPS works with the local HeadStart program. Virginia is working to improve quality and expand access to preschool programs for at-risk, low-income and special-needs children.

Programs offered

PRE-KINDERGARTEN for 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS (through Mecklenburg County Public Schools)

Mecklenburg County Public Schools Pre-K is a program that provides high-quality preschool programs for three and four-year-olds not served by Head Start. The purpose of the program is to provide quality early learning experiences to prepare children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.  Students in the PK program attend the local elementary school within their zone.  This is a full-day program. Transportation is offered by Mecklenburg County Public Schools.  3 Year Old classrooms are not available at all elementary schools. 

For more information, contact Amy Hite, Director of PK-8 Instruction, ahite@mcpsweb.org or 434-738-6111.

HEAD START (through Tri-County Community Action Agency)

Head Start is a federal program that promotes school readiness for children birth to age five. Head Start is a child-centered, family focused,  comprehensive and community-based program providing high quality services to promote academic, physical, social and emotional development for income-eligible children and their families. Students in the Head Start program attend the local Head Start location. This is a full-day program. Transportation is offered by Tri-County Community Action Agency.

For more information, contact Silvana Hailey, Head Start Impact Manager, shailey@tricountyva.org or 434-575-7916 x 230.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION (through Mecklenburg County Public Schools)

Early Childhood Special Education provides services for preschool-aged children from age two through five with identified disabilities or developmental delays. Educators, along with the child's family, develop an individualized education program (IEP) with goals and objectives to meet the child’s developmental needs.

For more information, contact Mary Hodges, Director of Student Services, mhodges@mcpsweb.org or 434-738-6111.