REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL SCHOOL ENTRY (any age):  Kentucky Immunization Certificate, certified copy of birth certificate from Bureau of Vital Statistics, physical examination and eye exam by optometrist. 

Children age 3 or 4 by October 1st may be eligible for tuition-free preschool or Head Start. Children age 4 may be income eligible (meet free lunch income guidelines) or determined to have special learning needs. There are a limited number of paid tuition ($30 per week) openings for 4-year-olds who are over income. Children age 3 may only qualify if they have special educational needs.  

If you are interested in your child attending preschool or Head Start, you must call the Preschool office at 624-4587 to schedule a screening appointment. The screening will take about an hour and your child's physical, mental and verbal skills will be tested to determine if there may be special educational needs which require further evaluation.  

The Madison Co. Preschool and Head Start programs recruit jointly. Your location and income will in most cases determine which program your child attends since the Madison Co. Schools transport children in both. Children enrolled in preschool attend a 3-hour morning or afternoon session on Monday-Thursday with breakfast or lunch being served. Head Start sessions are usually 9:00-3:00 on Monday-Friday.  

The learning activities are very similar in both programs. Both programs develop language/literacy, motor and self-help skills. Students are involved in music, health, safety, nutrition, math, science computer and multi-cultural activities every day. They also learn important social skills such as sharing, following class rules and interacting with adults/children which will prepare them for future success in school.