Safe, Quality Preschool Programs for Your Child

We understand choosing a quality preschool is a big decision for families. While you decide what is best for your family, we want you to know that our preschool programs are here for you. Our programs follow health and safety guidelines and work closely with families, so that we can continue to learn and grow together.

All children deserve access to quality preschool programs. It is important because 90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5. We talked to parents, teachers, and pediatricians about how we are making this year’s preschool experience the best it can be and why preschool is so important in the early years of life.

A Quality Free Preschool Helps Your Child Today and Tomorrow

Research shows that a quality preschool lays the foundation for your child’s education and has life-long benefits. Children who attend a quality preschool are better prepared both academically and socially for kindergarten and are more likely to graduate high school and go on to college.

But for many families, the cost of quality preschool can be a challenge. Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) are high-quality preschool programs that prepare preschoolers for success in kindergarten and beyond. Many families qualify for the programs at no cost.

Both preschool programs offer curriculums that build language, literacy, early math, science, and social and emotional skills. Most importantly, they help children learn in fun ways, socialize with one another, and gain confidence that will follow them in years to come.

Health & Safety Measures

We know you want to make sure your child is in a safe environment. Many families have questions about the health and safety measures their preschool programs are taking. Licensed preschool programs, including all Head Start and GSRP programs, follow LARA Guidelines for Safe Child Care Operations during COVID-19, which include the following health and safety measures:

• Use of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
• Thorough cleaning of spaces and materials
• Regular hand washing for both adults and children
• Symptom monitoring
• Limited building entry
• Small group activities and social distancing

What Does Quality Preschool Look Like?

Preschool is a big opportunity for children to learn together in a classroom.

Quality preschool helps children:

• Learn through play-based activities
• Develop curiosity, ask questions, and share ideas
• Learn and practice new concepts
• Become a member of a classroom community
• Develop independence
• Explore new ideas and materials
• Develop early literacy skills
• Learn about numbers, letters, patterns and early math and science
• Develop coordination and muscles for holding pencils and moving active bodies

Continue to Learn At Home – We Are Here For You

Children learn from everyone around them, but most importantly from you. You are your child’s first and best teacher. They learn through play, hands-on experiences, and relationships. We have pulled together easy preschool activities, resources, and tips that you can do at home to continue to learn together.