Welcome to Pre-K
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Denton ISD offers a variety of Pre-K programs within the district that are either state-funded or tuition-based. Pre-K education is offered to children as young as three years old and must meet the qualifications for the program desired. Denton ISD also offers childcare that accepts children as young as six weeks old.
Denton ISD's Board of Trustees continuously advocates for strong educational Pre-K programs where caring, certified teachers nurture children to become lifelong learners. The Board has provided the necessary resources to offer the district's youngest students various Pre-K programs. Please browse the content below to learn more about the Pre-K programs offered at Denton ISD and the qualifications needed to be part of a Pre-K program.
Program Information
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Academy (Tuition-Based Pre-K)
DISD offers Pre-K Academy on a tuition basis for students who do not meet the state eligibility requirements to attend prekindergarten for free or the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. Learn more about Pre-K Academy.
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Bilingual and ESL Pre-K
Bilingual and ESL Pre-Kindergarten is part of the state-funded, full-day Pre-Kindergarten program that works on improving children's English language proficiency and preparing them for success in school. Students may attend this program free of charge if they meet the following criteria:
- Are limited English speaking
- Are four years old with a birthday on or before September 1st (3-year-olds will be considered on a campus-by-campus basis).
Learn more about state-funded programs and the qualifications needed to participate in this program.
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ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education)
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) includes Deaf Ed., Communication, and Blended classes.
Early Childhood Special Education is a special education program that serves children between the ages of 3 and 5 who have delays in speech, physical development, cognitive development, and/or social and emotional development.
- Students are eligible to enroll in this program at no cost to the family on their 3rd birthday.
- ECSE Bilingual (Spanish) classrooms are provided when necessary; the amount and type of services provided to students are determined by an Individual Education Program (IEP) committee.
- Visit the Denton ISD Early Childhood Special Education website or contact Laura Davis, the ECSE Program Supervisor, at (940) 369-4090.
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Full-Day State-Funded Pre-K
Pre-Kindergarten is a state-funded program that follows the state of Texas Pre-K guidelines, which include language and literacy development, math skills, physical development, motor skills, social and emotional development, music, art, and other competencies to help prepare them for success in Kindergarten and beyond. This program serves children who are four years old on or before September 1st (3-year-olds will be considered at Gonzalez School for Young Children and Ann Windle).Students may attend this program free of charge if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Unable to speak and comprehend the English language
- Educationally disadvantaged (which means a student who is eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program). Learn more about the income eligibility guidelines.
- You are homeless
- Is a child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States
- Is a child of a member of the armed forces who was injured or killed while on active duty
- In or has been in a conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care)
- Child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award
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Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded, full-day prekindergarten program that is overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program supports children's growth and development in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, which include early learning, health, and family well-being. Head Start and Bilingual Head Start classes are offered at Ann Windle School for Young Children. Please visit their website or call (940) 369-3900 for more information.