Eastern Pulaski Elementary School is hoping to launch a new preschool program in January. Principal Jill Collins told the school board last week that the school has received grant funding to purchase materials and hire an instructor.
She thinks the grant will be enough to fund the program for about a year and a half. After that, the goal is that it will sustain itself. To do that, Collins said it will be a paid preschool program.
It will be housed in the elementary school’s kindergarten wing. Lunch will be provided. Collins said transportation will be the parents’ responsibility, but she’s also discussing options with Pulaski County Human Services.
The next step will be to advertise for an instructor. Collins said the person won’t have to be a licensed teacher but will have to have an associate’s degree in early childhood education.
The school board agreed to accept the grant funding and start the process of organizing the program. Collins said she’s excited to have the opportunity to reach out to families with children who don’t currently have preschool experience.
