Spots available in Pre-K programs

By Melinda L. Lucas

There are still spots available for both the Head Start and Pre-K programs offered at Nancy Smith Elementary School.

New and returning Head Start families need to pick up applications at the Nancy Smith Elementary School front office. 

Required documents for Head Start are income verification (tax return or pay stubs), birth certificate, immunization records, insurance card, CHIPS or Medicaid information, Social Security card, and proof of residency (parent’s driver’s license or identification card).

Head Start family service director Stephanie Jaco said Region 14 will then contact families for an eligibility interview and to complete the official enrollment paperwork.

Pre-K Program

Nancy Smith Elementary principal John Gallagher said parents of students who do not qualify for Head Start can come to the school office and pick up a pre-registration form to see if they qualify for pre-kindergarten.

Parents enrolling students in pre-kindergarten will need to provide proof of income.

Students who will be four years of age prior to Sept. 1 have priority over younger students if space is limited, but right now there is not a waiting list.

Criteria to qualify for the program include any one or more of the following qualifiers: eligible for free or reduced lunch program, having a parent who is on active duty in the military or who was injured or killed during military service, homeless children, students unable to speak and comprehend English, children in CPS, and children of a Star of Texas award winner.

All students being registered will need a copy of the child’s birth certificate, student’s Social Security number, proof of residency, and parent’s driver’s license or identification card.

Call NSES with questions about Head Start and pre-registration for Pre-K at 325-762-3384 during office hours from Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.