Pre-K registration opens Feb. 3, program no longer accepting paper applications

St. Charles Parish Public Schools will open online registration for its Pre-K program Feb. 3, according to April Gomez, administrator of Head Start for the school system.

Gomez said families should submit applications by March 11 to be considered in the first round of applicants. Families will know the status of their child’s application beginning in April, Gomez said.

This year, the school system is no longer accepting paper applications, and all applications must be completed through the online portal, according to Gomez. The online portal is on the district’s website.

But Gomez said families must bring in their child’s original birth certificate to one of the Head Start locations at George Washington Carver Early Learning Center in Hahnville or East Bank Head Start (Harry Hurst) in Destrehan.

Families should keep in mind that incomplete applications will not be processed, Gomez said.

 “Applications are not considered complete until all documentation is turned in,” she said. “Parents should review the required paperwork needed to have all documents readily available.”

The district’s Head Start program offers enrollment first to children from eligible families of poverty and low-income levels, according to the district’s website.

The Head Start program, designed for children ages 3 and 4, provides comprehensive child development and health services, according to the website. The program has funding for 197 children.

Gomez said early childhood education sets the stage for kindergarten readiness.

“Preparing our youngest learners for future success is the driving force behind our pre-kindergarten programs,” she said. “All pre-kindergarten students attend field trips, participate in enrichment classes, and have a wide variety of learning experiences daily within the classroom setting.”

She said the staff is looking forward to increasing the number of Pre-K students served in the district.

“The strides made over the last few years have helped to ensure all of our students are ready for kindergarten,” she said.  “We look forward to seeing our students excel in their educational journey.”