BY YEZMIN THOMAS
Fort Worth Literacy Partnership
Parents get ready!
If you have a child who is 4 years old by September, here’s what you need to know to set them up for success. Pre-Kindergarten enrollment for FWISD’s 2017-2018 school year is under way through Saturday, April 8.
To qualify for free public Pre-K, a child must be 4 by Sept. 1, 2017 and meet ONE of the following qualifications:
- Economically disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program)
- Unable to speak and understand the English language
- Homeless
- A child of a member of the United States armed forces (active, deceased or injured)
- Has ever been in state foster care
Why is Pre-K important?
They say that a kid’s brain is like a sponge. Studies show that 90 percent of human brain development happens by age 5. Waiting until kindergarten to start teaching our kids is already too late.
Pre-K programs offer quality learning environments where children can get ready for a bright future. Participation has a positive impact in the children’s ability to learn; it increases kindergarten readiness and subsequent academic achievements.
Third-graders who read on grade level have better chances of graduating from high school, attending college and entering the workforce.
What will my child learn in Pre-K that I cannot teach him at home?
FWISD Pre-K teachers are professionally prepared to engage with children and help them develop academically, socially and emotionally. Through a variety of games and fun activities, children learn letter, sound and number recognition. The goal is to prepare the kids to be kindergarten ready. Building a strong foundation will allow students to achieve future milestones.
Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Kent P. Scribner says, “If you want a college and career-ready high school graduate, you must have a kindergarten-ready pre-schooler.”
FWISD Pre-K roundup event
FWISD has joined 12 other North Texas school districts to emphasize Pre-K registration through April 8. Fort Worth ISD’s Pre-K Registration and 100×25 FWTX Literacy Fair is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Wilkerson Greines Activity Center, 5201 C.A. Roberson Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76119.
To learn more about enrollment and eligibility requirements in Fort Worth ISD visit this link.
To learn more about enrollment in other districts visit this link www.prekdfw.com or call 972-687-7735
Space is limited! Register now to ensure that your child doesn’t get left out!