By RANDY TATANO
Special to Atmore News
Parents can now sign up their children for a nationally ranked Pre-K program … that’s right here in Escambia County.
A.C. Moore in Atmore is the home of the county’s “First Class Pre-K” program, which this fall will be combined with children who had previously attended Rachel Patterson Elementary’s Pre-K.
Amber Dunaway, who heads up the program, anticipates having five or six First Class Pre-K classrooms housing between a total of 90 to 108 students.
“These classes will include whole and small group instruction based upon age-appropriate standards,” Dunaway said. “Students are also given ample opportunities for physical education to help promote their gross motor skills. Students who attend Pre-K are given both social and academic experiences that will help prepare them for their future educational journey.”
Children are dropped off between 7:45 and 8 a.m. They’ll be provided with breakfast and lunch, and will wear school uniforms. Parents can then pick up their children between 2:30 and 2:45 p.m.
Moms and dads also have “assignments” with a requirement of 12 hours of “parental involvement.” Dunaway said it is important for parents to be a part in their child’s early academic and social development.
“Families are encouraged to play an active role in their child’s education by attending school activities and helping with take home projects on a regular basis,” Dunaway said. “Our program is designed to help build a sense of connectedness between our school, families, and community.”
Space is limited, so register now. Your child must be four years old by September 1, 2023 to be eligible, and can be registered at this website: https://prek.alaceed.alabama.gov/.
Brewton resident Randy Tatano is a veteran TV news reporter and network producer, and is currently a novelist and freelance writer for the Escambia County School System