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Pre-K Programs

Pre-kindergarten dual language students at Salado Elementary find great delight in engaging with the outdoor workspaces.

Pre-K students at East Central ISD's Salado Elementary engage with the outdoor workspaces.

What is a Pre- K program?

Pre-K, short for Pre-kindergarten, is an early education program designed for children under the age of five. These programs help young learners build foundational academic, social, and emotional skills in preparation for kindergarten and future academic success.

What Age do Kids Start Pre-K or Preschool?

  • Preschool Starting Age: Typically begins around age 3, two years before kindergarten.
  • Pre-K Age Range: Designed for children aged 3 to 5 years.

Children must meet local school district enrollment guidelines for public Pre-K and preschool programs.

Benefits of Pre-K Programs for Students

1. Kindergarten Readiness
Pre-K promotes smoother transitions into kindergarten by introducing structure, routine, and classroom interaction.

2. Early Identification of Special Needs
District Pre-K programs support early screening and identification of learning or developmental challenges.

3. Free Special Education Services
Children ages 3–5 with disabilities may qualify for no-cost support through the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD).

4. Support for Dual Language Learners
Pre-K enhances learning for bilingual students and economically disadvantaged families through targeted resources and instruction.

Angleton ISD Pre-K students drive around in DIY cars.

Angleton ISD's Pre-K students created a box car of their own and enjoyed a drive-in movie.

Pre-K Curriculum and Teaching

Curriculum Development: Pre-K curriculum and teaching strategies are developed and provided by educators and degreed child development experts, adhering to state guidelines and standards.

State Assessment: Pre-K curriculum is reviewed and assessed by the state’s education agency to ensure alignment with state standards.

Learning Environment: Effective preschool classrooms provide a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued and supported, fostering their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Effective Preschool Teachers and Providers

Diverse Instructional Techniques: Tailored to support all learning styles.

Language & Social Development: Teachers expand vocabulary and support communication skills.

Conflict Resolution & Inclusion: Children learn to collaborate, share, and respect others.

Preschool vs. Pre-Kindergarten:

Age Difference: Preschool typically refers to children ages 2-3, while Pre-K is designed for older children aged 3-5.

Curriculum Similarities: Both preschool and Pre-K curriculums promote learning through play-based activities, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and social development

Head Start Program Overview

Head Start is the largest Pre-K program in America and provides free Pre-K programs offered in schools. Students must meet eligibility requirements. Enrollment availability is determined by each school. Head Start is administered by the Office of Head Start within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Key Highlights and Benefits of Head Start Programs

  • Whole Child Approach: Offers meals, health screenings, and developmental services.
  • Health & Wellness Support: Links families to medical, dental, and mental health care.
  • Family Engagement: Encourages parent participation and supports goal-setting.
  • Income-Based Access: Designed for low-income families to ensure equitable school readiness.

Early Head Start supports children from birth to age 3, while Head Start focuses on children ages 3 to 4.

Find Pre-K Near Me

Pre-K 3 Curriculum

Listening- Follow two or three step directions during activities such as setting the table, playing, or cleaning up. Have short conversations. Listen to stories and directions from adults. Play with friends.

Reading -Name familiar characters or events from books. Guess what happens next in a story. Participate in story time and choose their own books.

Writing- Make scribbles, line marks, and letter-like forms when asked to write. Use a variety of writing and drawing materials such as different types of pens, crayons, markers, or paintbrushes. Play with letter blocks, magnets, and other reading materials.

Speaking- Ask questions and wait for answers. Use many words when speaking about feelings, places, people, or things. Have conversations with friends and adults.

Describing- Talk about plants and animals and what they look or feel like. Talk about the weather. Go on nature walks. Play outside. Read books about plants, animals, weather, and seasons. Play with and talk about toy cars that go different speeds, balls that bounce at different heights, or bubble wands.

Counting- Count up to 10. Read books, sing songs, and play games that include counting. Play with a variety of objects that can be counted such as blocks or shapes.

Identifing Shapes- Name and create common shapes.  Play with blocks of different shapes and sizes. Play with materials to make shapes such as play dough. 

Fine Motor Skills – Squeeze small objects between thumb and forefinger. Draw shapes and write some letters and numbers. Dress and undress with little help.  Play with clay and play dough. Use tools such as tongs, clothespins, or safety scissors. Write and draw with a variety of pens, markers, pencils, and crayons. Make art with materials of different textures. 

Gross Motor  Skills- Hop, skip, jump, and gallop. Climb jungle gyms. Ride a tricycle.  Play games with a variety of movements. Play outside.

Emotions- Talk about emotions and feelings.  Read books about emotions. Use puppets to role play emotions. Name characters’ feelings in books. 

Health & Hygiene- Wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. Name body parts.  Sing songs and play games that identify body parts such as Follow the Leader or Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Read books about washing hands, getting ready for school, or bed time. 

Relationships with Others- Enjoy playing and talking with adults and friends.  Learning Strategies: Play games in small or large groups. Read books about playing with friends. 

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/prek3familyguideb.pdf

Pre-K 4 Curriculum

Listening- Follow two or three step directions during activities such as setting the table, playing games, or cleaning up. Have conversations with expected words and responses. Play games with multiple steps. Play in large and small groups. Listen to stories and directions. 

Writing- Use marks or letters to write  Use writing materials in multiple areas of the classroom, such as creating signs in block play or grocery lists in the pretend play center. Write in a journal and make books or drawings with words. 

Speaking- Ask and respond to questions. Use many words when speaking about feelings, people, places, or things.  Have conversations with friends and teachers. Play games with friends. Read books out loud

Reading- Enjoy being read to and exploring books. Name rhyming words.  Play games with multiple steps. Play in large and small groups. Listen to stories and directions.

Describing- Talk about the color, size, shape, and feel of plants, animals, and earth materials such as rocks, soil, or sand.   Go on nature walks. Play outside. Grow plants and discuss their progress. Read books about plants, animals, weather, and seasons. 

Counting- Count from 1-30. Count 1-10 objects, with one count per object.  Sing songs or play games that include counting. Play with a variety of objects that can be counted such as blocks or shapes. 

Identifying Shapes- Name and create shapes. Play with blocks of different shapes and sizes. Play with materials such as play dough and toothpicks to make shapes.

Comparing Objects  Place objects from shortest to tallest or tallest to shortest. Use measurement words such as “taller”, “shorter”, “longer” or “smaller”.  Play with objects that can be sorted and arranged such as blocks or figures. Play with and talk about toy cars that go different speeds, balls that bounce at different heights, or bubble wands that create different sized bubbles. Guess the length, height, or volume or objects such as buckets, fish tanks, or furniture.

Fine Motor Skills- Use tools such as forks, spoons, tweezers, clothespins, or paintbrushes with ease. Dress and undress without help. Draw shapes and write letters and numbers.  Play with clay or play dough. Write and draw with different types of writing and art materials such as pens, pencils, paint brushes or crayons. Make art by tearing paper, using cookie cutters, or stringing beads. 

Gross Motor Skills- Stand on one foot. Hop, skip, jog, jump, and gallop. Carry a bowl or plate of food from one spot to another.  Play games with many movements. Help with meal times. Play outside.

Health & Hygiene- Wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. Name body parts.  Sing songs and play games that identify body parts such as Follow the Leader or Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Read books about washing hands, getting ready for school, or bed time routines. 

Relationships with Others- Enjoy playing with friends and adults. Initiate play and conversations. Have conversations with adults and friends. Play with friends. Read books about playing with friends, taking turns, or helping others. Have a classroom job such as a greeter, door holder, or line leader. 

Emotions & Behavior- Talk about and name emotions and feelings. Follow classroom rules and routines with help and reminders from the teacher.  Read books about emotions. Use puppets to role play emotions. Name characters’ feelings in books.

https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/PreK_4_Family_Guide.pdf

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Go Public’s Education Timeline helps parents learn what to expect for early education, Pre-K, and kindergarten. 

Early Childhood
Pre-K and Kindergarten

Public school Pre-k programs help prepare children for a smooth transition to elementary school.

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