BENTONVILLE, Ark. — This school year, the Bentonville School District opened several new Pre-K sites aiming to provide childcare during the work day and get kids ready for kindergarten.
The Pre-Ks are part of a program called Excellent Beginnings that initially was only for children of school employees, but is now open to the broader community.
The Pre-K classrooms are located at R.E. Baker Elementary and Tennie Russell Primary School.
While the program is currently for three and four-year-olds who are preparing to start kindergarten, the district has plans to open an infant and toddler center in January.
Lori Knight, Assistant Director of Early Childhood for the district said the program’s curriculum is carefully crafted to prepare kids for their next steps.
“The parents just have a sense of calmness knowing that their children are in an environment where the curriculum is just as it will be moving forward into kindergarten,” Knight said. “We're doing the Pre-K versions of that curriculum, and so it's just giving them a head start into transitioning into kindergarten.”
The Pre-K sites are staffed by certified teachers.
Kelsey Leachman, a Bentonville parent and school employee, said the program has benefited her and her son Wyatt. It allows her to have peace of mind at work while preparing him to begin his education.
“I’m able to go to the office at 7:00 and serve my schools, but my child is being met at his developmental needs, academically, socially, [and] emotionally,” Leachman said.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided for students. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying families.
Information about applying for Excellent Beginnings can be found here.