Anderson County Schools offer an outstanding preschool program which is fully accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This accreditation is awarded only to programs of the highest quality which meet rigorous standards in the areas of staff, learning environment and curriculum.

Who May Attend?

All 3 and 4 year old children may attend. The preschool program is available at no cost to children who qualify for a free on reduced lunch and to children who have any type of developmental delay. Other children may attend on a tuition basis. Tuition is $110 per month payable in monthly installments.

What Is a Developmental Delay?

We give preschool children a short test called a screening to see if they are behind in any area of speech, language, motor, cognitive, self-help skills or behavior. A very mild delay in any of these areas may make your child eligible for free preschool.

How Will My Child Get to Preschool?

Free transportation is provided through the school bus system.

What Will My Child Do at Preschool?

Our preschool program is developmentally appropriate. This means the children are provided with a rich environment of materials and activities. The curriculum is a balance of structured activities and activities of the child's choice. Children also listen to stories, play outside, and go on interesting and fun field trips.

Why is it Important for My Child to Go to Preschool?

Research shows that children who attend good preschools are much more successful in school and in life. They are less likely to drop out or get in trouble as teenagers. A good preschool sets the stage for a better experience all through school.

Where Is Preschool Located?

Preschool classes are held at the Early Childhood Center and Western Elementary. At ECC and Western both morning and afternoon sessions are available. Preschool classes last 3 hours each day. The morning session eats breakfast and the afternoon session eats lunch at school. Preschool classes are held four days each week. Wednesday is used for parent/teacher meetings, teacher planning, and home visits.

What Meals are Available?

Children are provided with a well-balanced meal every day, either breakfast (for a.m. students) or lunch (for p.m. students). We feel that mealtime is also a time for learning. Parents are welcome to have meals with their children. A menu is posted on parent bulletin boards, sent home with the students, and printed in the Anderson News. The prices are as follows:

      Student paid breakfast  .75
      Reduced student breakfast .30
      Student paid lunch  1.25
      Reduced student lunch .40
      Adults    2.00

Why Does Preschool IncIude Home Visits? What Happens at a Home Visit?

Preschool teachers are required to make at least two home visits to each child in their class. On home visits, the teacher gets to meet and see the child in the home environment. Teachers can discuss the child and the preschool program with the parents. More importantly the children see the teacher come into their homes. The children are able to meet each teacher and talk to her in their own homes where they feel safe and comfortable. This helps the children to know that they are important and school is important. Parent involvement is an essential component of the preschool program. Teachers want to develop a good relationship with each parent as well as with each child.

What if I Work?

Both Western and ECC have a daycare center on site which your child can attend before and/or after preschool. For more information call the ECC Daycare Director Barbara Basham at 839-2524. For Western Elementary services, call Director Missy Wilson at 839-5919. We can also transport your child to a baby-sitter or daycare in the community.

What are the School's Health Regulations?

All students should be up to date on immunizations and are to have Physical Examination forms and Immunization forms on file at the school. These forms must be signed by a physician or Health Department staff member. To maintain a healthy preschool environment, the staff requires that children who are sick stay at home. Children are sick if they have a fever of 100 degrees or more, are vomiting, have diarrhea, unidentified rashes or other illnesses which car be transmitted to the other children in the classroom. If children become sick at school, parents will be notified immediately so arrangements  may be made to seek appropriate care. In case of a medical emergency of  any kind involving the administration of first aid of any kind, the building principal and parents shall be notified so that further decisions can be made.

What Other Forms are Required?

Prior to admission, each child must have on file with the school a Registration form, School Lunch form, certified copy of his/her birth certificate, and a copy of his/her Social Security card.