Covington City Public Schools is continuing to partner with the United Way of the Roanoke Valley to boost its early childhood education efforts.
The United Way of the Roanoke Valley has been a leading partner with the Virginia state government in piloting and developing early childhood education initiatives. The United Way’s work is part of the Virginia Preschool Initiative, which distributes state funds to schools to provide quality preschool programs for at-risk four-year-olds unserved by the federal Head Start program.
A United Fund program called “Smart to Start,” funded in-part by a preschool development grant from the state, is being used by Covington City Schools to help streamline the application process for parents seeking to enroll their children in the pre-kindergarten program at Edgemont Primary School.
Edgemont’s pre-kindergarten program is geared toward four-year olds who are deemed to be at high risk for academic struggles. Studies show that about 85 percent of a child’s brain development from birth to age 5. Moreover, education experts say the COVID-19 pandemic has placed an even greater need for early childhood education initiatives.
At present, Edgemont Primary School is working to screen applications it has received for admission to its pre-kindergarten program in the fall. Edgemont expects to offer two pre-kindergarten classes, with 18 students in each class. Initial applications for the program were received on March 22, during an open house at the school.
“Right now, we have about 30 applicants. Students with high-risk factors will be given priority. We are trying to identify the most at-risk four-year olds,” said Edgemont Primary’s principal, Cynthia Morgan. “A child who doesn’t have risk factors is considered to be kindergarten ready.”
In the present academic year, Edgemont has one pre-kindergarten class.
“We are expanding access. We are wanting to provide children a jump start into educational opportunities. We believe the first years of education for young children are critical to their future successes,” Morgan said.
Eligibility for pre-kindergarten is based on family income and child and family risk factors. The Virginia Preschool Initiative is designed for families who might not otherwise have access to quality early childhood education opportunities.
“Smart 2 Start” is partnering with school divisions throughout the Roanoke Valley, Southside Virginia and the Alleghany Highlands. Partner school divisions include Covington City Schools, Botetourt County, Craig County, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Franklin County and Patrick County. “Smart 2 Start” helps provide access to children by streamlining the application process for pre-school programs. A single application is used to help inform families of their child’s eligibility. An online application is available by visiting www.smart2start.org.
The United Fund of the Roanoke Valley also provides a free texting service called “Bright to Text” that offers targeted messages about raising children, child development, and community resources. The content is provided by United Fund partners such as PBS and Sesame Street. Messages are targeted toward a child’s age and they include information on development, language and early literacy, health, safety and behavioral tips. Parents or guardians can sign up by visiting www.smart2start.org.
For more information on the pre-kindergarten program in Covington City Public Schools and “Smart 2 Start,” email Edgemont Primary School at epsinfo@covington.k12.va.us.
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