The Daviess County Public Schools district will offer half-day preschool five days a week at all 12 DCPS elementary schools starting in August 2022.
The district recently conducted a survey of our parents/families and staff. Our community is overwhelmingly in favor of a five-day-a-week preschool learning experience for our youngest students. Therefore, beginning with the 2022-23 school year, DCPS will offer half-day preschool FIVE DAYS A WEEK at all 12 elementary schools. Every other Friday (approximately twice a month) will be reserved for screenings, outreach and staff development, but otherwise DCPS will provide five-day-a-week morning and afternoon preschool services for our littlest learners. A calendar showing what that schedule will look like is posted at www.dcps.org
This decision was made in response to the choice of either reducing the number of days preschool students would be able to attend school because of transportation staffing shortages, compared to providing more time than ever before. Considering those options, we determined that the five-day program would provide the best possible learning opportunities for our children.
Morning Session information – Morning sessions are from 7:40 to 11 a.m. with a meal provided. Parents/guardians may take the child to school between 7 and 7:40 a.m. DCPS will take children home or to a designated caregiver location on established transportation routes following dismissal at 11 a.m. (or parents may pick children up at school at 11 a.m.).
Afternoon Session information – Afternoon sessions are from 11 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. with lunch provided. DCPS will pick up children at their home or at the location of a designated caregiver on established transportation routes at midday (or parents may provide transportation). Parents/guardians will pick children up at school at 2:20 p.m. dismissal time. There is no after-school program option for preschool.
After submitting your application to enroll your child in the DCPS preschool program, parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to request a preference of morning or afternoon sessions. However, we cannot guarantee placement. Enrollment applications, eligibility information and session preference forms are available at www.dcps.org
“We are looking forward to welcoming children to a quality preschool learning experience and serving our families in this important area of early childhood education,” said DCPS preschool coordinator Chris Westerfield. “The Daviess County Public Schools preschool program is designed to build a strong foundation upon which children may build success in the classroom, and in life. DCPS preschool classes are taught by dedicated teachers who are certified in early childhood education. We provide preschool students with quality learning experiences enhanced by social/emotional development opportunities. Children will also enjoy art, music, physical education and media/library lessons as part of their DCPS preschool experience.”
For more information, visit www.dcps.org or call the DCPS Preschool Department at 270-852-7000.
