The program is now being offered at four locations, instead of two, and transportation for students is being offered to families that live more than a mile from the location that their children attend.

Universal Pre-kindergarten was introduced in the GASD during the 2006-07 school year, but was available only at Barkley Elementary School and at Whispering Pines Preschool, the district's community-based partner. Plus, parents had to drop off and pick up their children each day, which was difficult for working parents.

The program is now being offered at Tecler Elementary School and UCP/Cloverpatch, as well as Barkley and Whispering Pines.

Spaces are still available at three of the four locations; Barkley, 66 Destefano Street, UCP/Cloverpatch, Upper Church Street, and Whispering Pines, 42 Cornell Street. There are no more slots open at Tecler this year.

GASD officials hope that providing transportation will increase the accessibility of Universal Pre-kindergarten and therefore encourage more parents to enroll their children in the program.

Universal Pre-kindergarten is designed to prepare 4-year-olds for school. Children gain early exposure to reading, math, science and social studies and develop social skills in a carefully structured and supervised environment. Research shows that children who are exposed to basic learning and social skills at an early age perform better in school.

“The simple act of listening to stories helps create an interest in reading. That interest soon translates into ability. The same principles apply to all areas of learning,” said Susanne Dorr, GASD Director of State and Federal Projects, and a former reading teacher, who was instrumental in securing the district's funding for the program.

There is no cost to parents to enroll their children in the program, which provides a safe and educationally stimulating environment to district students who are 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2007. All students who meet the two requirements are eligible to enroll, regardless of their race, gender, or family's economic status.

The program is offered twice each day at each location. Students may attend the morning class, which runs from 9-11:30 a.m., or the afternoon class, which runs from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Pre-kindergarten is not simply a day care program with a fancy name. Students attend the program for 2 1/2 hours each weekday and are taught by state certified teachers, who follow a district-wide curriculum that includes reading, math, and other subjects.

"Kindergarten is now what first grade used to be. Once kids get there, they are expected to recognize some words by sight," said Betsy Martin, the UPK teacher at Barkley Elementary School. Martin added that students enjoy the program and spending time with the friends they make.

"Parents tell us that during a vacation, their kids get up in the morning and ask, 'Do I go to school today,'" Martin said.

District officials encourage parents to contact them if they are interested or need more information.

“This is one of the best things any parent can do for his or her child,” Dorr said.

For more information, please contact Susanne Dorr at 843-5233. To download an application in English, click here. To download an application in Spanish, click here.