The Putnam County Schools Early Learning Academy seeking applications from families with four-year-old children to fill vacancies in the program.
Principal Allison Painter said the voluntary pre-K program serves children who turn four years of age on or before August 15. Painter said the academy is specifically looking for children who meet the eligibility requirements to join the program for the current school year.
“This is just a great opportunity to get children in schools and get them used to the routines, procedures, and day-to-day learning to get them familiar with what school’s like and logistics of school,” Painter said, “To get them prepared for kindergarten and beyond.”
Painter said the program currently has vacancies at the Early Learning Academy, Baxter Primary, and Burks Elementary. Painter said the academy follows the same school calendar as all other elementary, middle, and high schools in the district.
“It’s just a great way to get students in school and get them around students their age to work on social skills, sharing, taking turns, plus it gives them the opportunity to have a teacher that has a four-year degree and an assistant that has a two-year degree that promotes learning and getting them ready for kindergarten,” Painter said. “It’s a great opportunity.”
Painter said the availability of spots is due to a change in state guidelines. Painter said that at this time, three-year olds will be placed on a waiting list. Students will be pulled from the waiting list and enrolled at a later date.
“I would encourage anyone interested in the program to please take time to pick up an application and apply for the program,” Painter said. “We do have a waitlist and at a certain date that we can pull off the waitlist so I’d encourage anybody to take advantage of this program.”
Painter said the program is designed to ensure students are performing at grade level by the time they reach kindergarten. Painter said the curriculum and social environment are intended to make the transition into the K-12 system a smooth process for both the child and the family.
“It just gives each of the students the opportunity to be on grade level for kindergarten and it just helps enhance their year and makes the transition to kindergarten such a smooth process,” Painter said.
Painter said families can pick up applications at the Early Learning Academy located at 545 Scott Avenue, the central office, or any elementary school. Painter said the academy accepts applications throughout the entire year.
