Qualifications

• Your child must be four years old before September 30 for the 4-year-old class or three years old before September 30 for the 3-year-old class. 
• You must live in the school attendance areas.
  • Exception: Children of WPS or City of Winchester employees who live outside of school attendance areas but meet local criteria (below) may be eligible. 
• Your family must meet income guidelines OR local criteria. Local criteria includes:
  • Either parent is a high school dropout
  • Family member suffers from substance abuse, mental illness, or disability
  • Single parent home
  • Death/terminal illness of a family member
  • Student is being raised by someone other than a parent
  • English is not the primary language spoken in the home
  • Parent is deployed (military)
  • Parent is incarcerated
  • Child has documented social/emotional, self-regulation skill deficits
  • Prolonged/persistent health issues of the child or family member
  • Teen parent

• Residential mobility—families who have moved more than once in a year
• Medical autism diagnosis
• COVID-19 Impact
  • The furlough of one or both parents
  • Loss of child support due to loss of employment
  • Parent resigned due to lack of child care
  • Illness/death of family member due to COVID-19
  • Household has experienced hardship as a result of a parent being considered essential
  • Child's or parent's mental health impacted by COVID-19
• Other local criteria may qualify your child.

All applicants must provide proof of income, even if they qualify under different criteria. 

Inquiries may be directed to:

Angie Cain
Early Childhood Coordinator
540-667-4253

Diana Benitez
Early Childhood Family Liaison
540-662-3945

Registration Requirements

TWO (2) Proofs of Residency: Utility bill (gas, electric, water/sewer, home phone); Receipt for personal property taxes or real estate taxes; Current homeowner's or renter's insurance policy; Current deed, mortgage, or rental/lease agreement   

Income Verification: The following are acceptable forms of income verification:

• TANF/SSI payment information
• W-2 forms or pay stubs which indicate gross year-to-date earnings
• Last year’s tax return (1040)
• An official letter from your employer stating your monthly earnings
• Medicaid or SNAP eligibility verification letter
• and/or Documentation of child support or spousal support.

Families with income 200% or less above the poverty level are eligible for Pre-K. *Remember: If your family does not meet income requirements, you may still be eligible under local criteria. 

All applicants must provide proof of income, even if they qualify under different criteria. 

You will also need

Child’s birth certificate

Medical insurance card for your child (Medicaid, FAMIS, Private)

Current immunization record and current physical

Custody papers/court papers regarding your child (if this applies to your child)

SNAP information if your family receives benefits