The Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Guide for Oklahoma Families

What is Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K)? Where do I go to enroll for Pre-K? Oklahoma offers a nationally recognized, free Pre-K program Go to your neighborhood school or call your school district’s in the public school system. Pre-K classrooms consist of a administrative offices to find out about enrollment locations. teacher certified in Early Childhood Education and an assistant Some districts enroll on a first-come, first-served basis or use a who is trained to develop reading, math, science, physical, and lottery system if space is limited. We recommend contacting your personal skills in young children. Pre-K provides a high-quality school early. learning experience that is essential for future success in Don’t worry if you are signing up late! Always call your local school school. district and see if enrollment is still an option. Pre-K classes may be full-day or half-day depending on the For a list of school districts in Oklahoma, please visit: http://bit. resources available in your local school district. A 4-year-old ly/2oIIEcv classroom will have a combination of whole-group and small- group lessons along with cooperative learning to support your child’s developing skills. What do I need when I enroll in Pre-K? For the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Early Typically, you will be asked to submit your child’s birth certificate, Childhood website, please visit: http://bit.ly/2oCWosj immunization records, school enrollment forms, parent/guardian For more information on the Early Learning Environment ID, proof of residency and Social Security card. Requested please visit: http://bit.ly/2p10NBV documentation may vary, depending on the district’s enrollment policy. Be sure to call the school district’s administrative office to know exactly what to bring for enrollment. What will my child learn in Pre-K? If you need a copy of your child’s birth certificate, you can request Young children develop rapidly and gain new skills daily. To one at: http://bit.ly/25gDh4u support that development, Oklahoma has created academic standards for Pre-K (http://sde.ok.gov/sde/oklahoma- academic-standards) that are vertically aligned with standards How do I get my child to school if I work full time? for future grades to assist in a smooth transition between Check with your school about before-school and after-school Pre-K and Kindergarten. care programs. Some schools provide these on-site, or you can Pre-K classes focus on: choose a child care facility that will care for your child and provide • Increasing language and vocabulary skills transportation to and from school. Local districts determine if • Learning early literacy skills bus transportation is available to Pre-K students. If you need assistance finding child care, please visit http://rainbowfleet.org/ • Interacting with age-appropriate technology • Providing math and science experiences • Exploring the world around them What can I do to help my child get ready for Pre-K? • Promoting healthy habits Don’t stress! • Following directions While you are working to get your child ready for school, the school is • Understanding rules and citizenship working to get ready for your child! • Creating and maintaining friendships Families can support their child at home by talking, reading, A high-quality Pre-K program can enhance early academic skills coloring or writing with them to gain literacy skills. Children should by providing social interactions with other children in a safe be included in family activities such as cooking, grocery shopping learning environment. and household chores to gain an understanding of early math and science concepts. The United States Department of Education’s For more information on Oklahoma Academic Standards, “Helping Your Preschool Child” guide may give you more ideas please visit: http://bit.ly/2d58dST about how to support your child’s learning at home. To see a video that shows the importance of Pre-K and what For a guide on how to help your preschooler published by the children learn there, please visit: http://bit.ly/2o3rp7w United States Department of Education (USDE), please visit: http://bit.ly/2nY8mKi When can my child enroll in Pre-K? Children are eligible if they turn 4 years of age on or before September 1 of the school year they will begin Pre-K. Districts usually have Pre-K enrollment in February or March for the upcoming school year. For accurate enrollment dates, call your local school district. Don’t forget to PLAY! Take time to play What if my child has a disability or a disability is suspected? and have fun with young children. They Generally, you will meet with your child’s school to discuss the steps that need to be are only little for a short time! Imaginative, taken in her/his education. Please refer to the chart on this page for guidance. constructive and outdoor play in school and home settings promote: For more information, please visit: http://sde.ok.gov/sde/special-education • Cooperation If you have additional questions, please contact Jose Hernandez, Director • Team-building of Early Childhood/IDEA in the Office of Special Education services at [email protected] or call (405)522-4513. • Problem solving • Creativity • Self-awareness Are you currently receiving Positive interactions with your child SoonerStart services? promote the personal skills needed to maintain relationships with others. Yes No Making sure your child gets a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast is a good habit to ensure a successful day of Pre-K. Great! As your child Are you concerned about your The USDE’s Ready for School Checklist approaches their 3rd child’s speech, learning, behavior, includes great tips, but remember that birthday, your resource or development? all children develop and grow at different coordinator will schedule rates. If you have concerns about your the Transition Planning Yes child’s development, talk with your Conference (TPC) to pediatrician or teacher. transition from SoonerStart Are you interested in to your local school district. For a ready for school checklist published pursuing an evaluation No by the United States Department of to determine if your Education (USDE), please visit: http://bit. child qualifies for ly/2o3uzIp At the TPC, the school will special education determine if more testing is services? Perfect! Enroll your needed in any area necessary child at your local What if we are homeless or Yes before the child’s third school district if your know a family experiencing birthday. Parental consent child turns 4 on or homelessness? is required for the school to Is your child currently before September 1. Pre-K is important for families who do conduct the evaluation. 3 years old? not have permanent housing because it prevents delays in language and social- Yes No emotional development. If you are aware By the child’s third birthday, of a family without permanent housing, the school is responsible for Once your child please contact your district’s homeless determining whether the Perfect! The school approaches his/her 3rd liaison. child is eligible for special may receive requests birthday, the school Please reach out to them or your local education services. for an evaluation from may receive requests neighborhood school for assistance. you. This is considered for an evaluation from you. This is considered For a list of homeless liaisons trained to a child under “Child a child under help families experiencing difficulties Find.” “Child Find.” please visit: http://bit.ly/2oawz1T If you have additional questions, please contact Anthony Kibble, the Oklahoma This guide gives families basic information about Pre-K in Oklahoma. State Department of Education’s Homeless Education Coordinator at If you have additional questions, please call your local school district or contact: [email protected] or call (405) Sharon Morgan, Director of Early Childhood 521-3260. Oklahoma State Department of Education [email protected] (405) 522-3241 For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/2oCWosj