Polk County Schools Preschool program was recently featured in this article by EdNc. Please click below to read and watch a short video about our great preschool program!
Because we know children develop at their own developmental level and learn through playing in their environment, we encourage the educational approach of active learning. Through the use of the research-based High Scope curriculum, teachers allow children to initiate active learning experiences in their area of interest. Children learn by doing, by working with hands-on materials and carrying out projects of their own choosing. The High Scope approach encompasses all aspects of a child’s emerging intellectual, physical, social and emotional skills and abilities. Services are also available for children with special needs such as speech and developmental disabilities. We follow stringent Head Start Performance standards and NC PreK guidelines. All of our teachers are certified by North Carolina to teach preschool.
Our preschool program offers comprehensive family support services. Our staff includes individuals with experience in family support services, health-related services and child development. An interpreter is available to assist our Spanish- speaking families. Please contact us with questions about our program or the application/enrollment process at (828)894-3051
Philosophy
In partnership with families and communities, the goal of the Polk County Schools Pre-Kindergarten program is to provide children with a high-quality, developmentally appropriate, early childhood experience that leads to a positive educational start. Children are placed in a blended classroom by qualifying for Head Start, NC PreK, Exceptional Children’s Program, or by fee payment. For children in need of bus transportation, this service will be provided.
Parent Involvement
We believe children’s first and most important teachers are their parents. It is our goal to work as closely as possible with all parents and caregivers of our students. A child has the best chance of achieving in all areas of development when there is good communication between the parent and other adults who help in the child’s care. Home visits and parent-teacher conferences allow this communication to take place. All families will receive home visits and/or conferences with their child’s teacher. These may be requested by the teacher or the parent(s). Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s classroom often to observe our program, and to volunteer. Parent meetings and family activities will also be offered by the individual schools and by the program. Teachers will communicate with families with a regular class newsletter.
School Readiness
Head Start defines school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. The Head Start approach to school readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children’s learning, and schools are ready for children (NCQTL/ECKLC). The philosophy of our preschool program is to provide children with a high quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood experience that leads to a positive educational start. This will be done in partnership with families and communities. To review our School Readiness Goals for all students, please use the link below.
Program Plans
Listed below are links to our program plans, goals and Annual Report. These are required as part of our Head Start grant.
Polk Board of Education Head Start Program Goals Grant Cycle 2015-2020
Media Releases
Polk County Schools operates model preschool programs at each of its four elementary schools, offering students in each of our communities the opportunity for a wonderful educational start.
