Pre-Kindergarten
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To make an appointment for registration and get your Pre-K Packet, please contact Heidi Kosik at 304-367-2100 ext. 117.
West Virginia Universal Pre-Kindergarten Programs provide a nurturing and enriched environment that supports maximum development and optimizes learning opportunities in early childhood.
The Pre-K programs in Marion County have been designed to meet the needs of eligible children through a holistic approach by learning through play and focusing on developing social, physical, cognitive and language and communication skills. The Marion County Board of Education works in collaboration with Head Start, DHHR, Special Education, Birth to Three, and area child care centers to provide families with a variety of pre-kindergarten experiences. Our prekindergarten programs implement the W. V. Early Learning Standards Framework which is scientifically based and was written to reflect a developmental continuum that enhances successful transitions into kindergarten. It allows educators to individualize for each child by building on what they already know and helping foster acquisition of new concepts and skills by providing hands on active exploration, problem solving, communication activities and encouraging creativity. Marion County provides high quality preschool services to:
Applications can be obtained at the Board of Education or downloaded from this site. Please be sure to read over all enrollment requirements. |
Contact
Stacey Oliver - Pre-Kindergarten Liaison
1516 Mary Lou Retton Drive Fairmont, WV 26554 304-367-2100 ext. 126 stacey.oliver@k12.wv.us Our programs are designed to meet the needs of all eligible children through a holistic approach, including key developmental domains of health and physical development, social and emotional development, language development and communication, cognition and general knowledge, and a child’s individual approaches to learning.
Enrollment Forms
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ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT
- If your child is four years old prior to July 1 of the year he/she is to enroll they are eligible.
- Children who are five years old prior to September 1 shall be enrolled in kindergarten, instead of WV Pre-K, unless assessment data can determine that kindergarten placement for that child is not in the child’s best interest. The WV Pre-K Child Assessment System data can be utilized for five year old children previously enrolled in WV Pre-K; alternative assessment data will be necessary for five year old children who are new enterers.
- Three year old children can be enrolled in the WV Pre-K System if they have an IEP.
- You must complete an enrollment packet and return it to the home school, board office, or child care.
- You need to select TWO site preferences on the application. Your child will be offered a slot, however, in some areas when the classroom fills, you will then given your second choice.
You must return a completed Pre-Kindergarten Application Packet to be considered completely registered.
Be sure to write three preference sites of where you would like your child to attend on the designated area on the student information insert.
Each child is required to have the following:
Be sure to write three preference sites of where you would like your child to attend on the designated area on the student information insert.
Each child is required to have the following:
- Certified Birth Certificate
- Health Check Form
- Immunization Record
- Marion County Student Information Form
- Dental Form
- Proof of Residency - utility bill, etc
- Income verification (taxes, W2, etc) is required if you wish to apply for a Head Start site for enrollment.
TRANSPORTATION
ATTENDANCE (POLICY 2525 126-28-5)
- Enrollment in an approved participating WV Pre-K program is voluntary; however, once the child is enrolled, attendance must follow W. Va. Code §18-8-1, et seq., which allows the program administrator (i.e. principal, director, executive director), teacher and parent/guardian to pursue disenrollment of the child if they concur that requiring further attendance for that school year is not in the best interest of the child.
- Once a child is dis-enrolled, re-enrollment is not guaranteed.
- School Sites :
Early Dismissal = Pre-K will not have class
2 hour Delay = Pre-K will start two hours later
School is cancelled = Pre-K is cancelled.
Child Care Sites and Head Start : Please follow individual program procedures.
COST OF PROGRAM
- WV Pre-K classrooms that provide services to eligible children who can be counted in the school aid funding formula must provide those services at no cost to the parent/guardian of the children. Support for community programs to offer free public education shall be a part of the contract between the community partner and county board of education.
- In childcare, Pre-K is an enhancement to the regular program during the designated Pre-K hours. Since Pre-K under this policy is part of a free public education, parents/guardians shall only be charged for those hours outside the Pre-k designated time.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
- Staff shall ensure that all guidance, behavior management, and discipline practices are constructive and educational in nature, appropriate to each child’s age and circumstances, and in keeping with the WV Pre-K program’s policies and procedures.
- Staff members are responsible for providing positive guidance that is appropriate to each child’s age, understanding, and circumstances.
CLASSROOM SETUP
- Classrooms may have up to 20 children.
- Fully inclusive early childhood classrooms are offered with appropriate supports for children with identified special education needs.
- Classrooms are open to parents/guardians and they are encouraged to participate in classroom activities.
PRE-K SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
Special services are available for eligible children with disabilities and can help children develop, learn and become more successful in the educational environment.
Children between 3 and 5 years of age who have a diagnosed disability or demonstrate delays in two or more of the following development areas may be eligible for Pre-K Special Education services:
We Can Help By Providing the Following:
Any parent or interested person or agency may refer a student who is suspected of needing special education and related services. Marion County also works with WV DHHR WV Birth to Three programs to provide transition services of three year olds into the school system.
If you would like more information on special education services in Pre-K please contact Stacey Oliver at 304-367-2100 ext. 126
For more information on the WV Birth to Three Program:
http://www.wvdhhr.org/birth23/
Telephone: (304) 558-5388
Fax: (304) 558-2183
Toll Free in WV: (800) 642-9704/8522
Children between 3 and 5 years of age who have a diagnosed disability or demonstrate delays in two or more of the following development areas may be eligible for Pre-K Special Education services:
- Cognitive: Thinking, learning, understanding, problem solving
- Physical Development: Vision, hearing, health, gross motor movement, fine motor skills
- Social/Emotional/Affective: Self-concept, positive social interactions and relationships, knowledge of family
- Adaptive/Self Help:Personal responsibility, self-care
- Communication:Understanding language, speaking
We Can Help By Providing the Following:
- Consultations for parents
- Free screenings for hearing, speech, vision, and development
- Evaluation to assess developmental delays
Any parent or interested person or agency may refer a student who is suspected of needing special education and related services. Marion County also works with WV DHHR WV Birth to Three programs to provide transition services of three year olds into the school system.
If you would like more information on special education services in Pre-K please contact Stacey Oliver at 304-367-2100 ext. 126
For more information on the WV Birth to Three Program:
http://www.wvdhhr.org/birth23/
Telephone: (304) 558-5388
Fax: (304) 558-2183
Toll Free in WV: (800) 642-9704/8522
HEAD START
Marion County Head Start, a program of North Central West Virginia Community Action Association, Inc., is a federally funded program. This collaborative Pre-K option is available to children turning 3 and 4 years old prior to September 1st of the current school year. A predefined Selection Criteria is used to determine the placement of children. Priority is given to children based on age, income, family circumstance, and other criteria. Although most families must meet income guidelines to enroll, over-income spaces are also available.
The goal of Marion County Head Start is to provide early childhood education opportunities and comprehensive services to children and families to enhance the children's cognitive, social/emotional, and physical abilities. Staff provide resources to parents through information and referrals. Families are offered program governance opportunities and fatherhood/parent engagement activities to enhance relationships with their children.
Transportation is provided to children enrolled in the Head Start program. Transportation assistance is also offered to families attending program events and to obtain requirements. All services provided by North Central WV Community Action Head Start are free to enrollees.
The goal of Marion County Head Start is to provide early childhood education opportunities and comprehensive services to children and families to enhance the children's cognitive, social/emotional, and physical abilities. Staff provide resources to parents through information and referrals. Families are offered program governance opportunities and fatherhood/parent engagement activities to enhance relationships with their children.
Transportation is provided to children enrolled in the Head Start program. Transportation assistance is also offered to families attending program events and to obtain requirements. All services provided by North Central WV Community Action Head Start are free to enrollees.
WEST VIRGINIA PRE-K CHILD ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has established the Early Learning Scale, a systematic assessment for preschool children designed for educators to use in assessing children's progress and informing teaching toward high quality early learning standards.
This assessment focuses on children's development over time, and measures student data collected through observation and work samples. WV Pre-K programs utilize the Early Learning Scale to inform teaching and assist with the articulation of children's development to families.
Educators will collect and analyze evidence of children's development on a regular basis. For reporting purposes, educators will input data into the Early Learning Scale WVEIS system and give parents reports three times a year.
The ELS examines three domains with a total of 10 items across the domains. Within each item are strands that further delineate the items for more focused observation. The 5-point continuum has indicators at levels 1, 3, and 5. Scores are reported for each of the 10 items.
This assessment focuses on children's development over time, and measures student data collected through observation and work samples. WV Pre-K programs utilize the Early Learning Scale to inform teaching and assist with the articulation of children's development to families.
Educators will collect and analyze evidence of children's development on a regular basis. For reporting purposes, educators will input data into the Early Learning Scale WVEIS system and give parents reports three times a year.
The ELS examines three domains with a total of 10 items across the domains. Within each item are strands that further delineate the items for more focused observation. The 5-point continuum has indicators at levels 1, 3, and 5. Scores are reported for each of the 10 items.
COLLABORATIVE CHILD CARE FACILITIES
Why choose a collaborative site for your child?
Bright Beginnings
22 Moran Circle - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-363-5454
Director/Owner - Debbie Hearn
All staff members are here to provide the most loving secure environment possible. We feel that the connection that the families make with the teachers will help to enhance the experience that your child has in our care. All staff members are experienced early childhood educators. Staff participate in a continuous program of in-service education and studies for professional advancement to remain alert to the ever-changing needs of today’s families and to the findings of current research. We have two spacious Pre-K classrooms. We also have a new outdoor classroom. This gives children all the components of a classroom space, but allows for them to be outside. They have a river with a water pump, tire mound, library cove, fairy garden, sand pit, swings and wooden house. This meets the requirements to allow more outside time but continue their learning experience. Offers before and after school care.
Bumble Bear Corner
303 Columbia Street - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-363-1515
Director/Owner - Gloria Scotchel
Bumble Bear Corner has enjoyed being a collaborative partner with Marion County Board of Education for many years. Our center is conveniently located on the east side of Fairmont just off the Gateway Connector. This makes us easily accessible for working families heading to work via interstate 79. Bumble Bear Corner’s Pre-K hours are 9:00-2:00 Monday -- Friday. One of the advantages for families who enroll with us, is the comfort of continuous care for your student both before and after standard class time. Your child will have the opportunity to explore, grow and learn through our Creative Curriculum inspired lesson plans. We also enroll children 2 yrs – 12 yrs old, with full day out of school time care, Early Release days, Snow Days, part time and summer programs. We have Before/After school program for students from East Dale, East Park, Pleasant Valley and Fairmont Catholic. Let our qualified, nurturing staff help you and your family make the transition between work and home a little easier. Contact us at 304-363-1515 to schedule a visit or speak to our Director about enrollment. Bumble Bear Corner is a CCRC participant.
Heart Junction
115 Main Street - Rivesville, WV
Phone: 304-278-5437
Director/Owner- Gloria Scotchel
Heart Junction is celebrating its 11th year helping to make a positive impact on young children in Marion County. Heart Junction is a child care center with a Universal Pre-K collaborative located in Rivesville. Our center accepts infants to school age, from 6 weeks to 12 yrs. We are open 6:00 am -6:00 pm while the Pre-k classroom is open 9:00 am-2:00 pm five days a week. We offer affordable before/ after care, early release days, holidays, full snow days and an educational summer program. The classroom is led by Mr. Oser who is a very loved and experienced teacher. Each day the children are challenged with literary, mathematics, and social-emotional development while learning through play and interactions. Individual Lesson Plans and evaluations are used daily to promote a very successful learning environment.
Learning Land
1017 Fairmont Avenue - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-333-0186
Director/Owner - Tina Peterman
Learning Land Daycare & Preschool welcomes parents to a new and exciting place where your child can learn and grow. We will provide your little one with the caring guidance of a kind and loving staff in a safe and secure environment. Learning Land Daycare & Preschool uses the WV state adopted Creative Curriculum 2nd Edition. It fosters experiences for children through the first four years of life by providing a powerful influence supported by academic standards. This curriculum is nurturing, consistent, and provides the love all children need to grow and discover the world around them. Creative Curriculum, 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on goals and objectives for children’s learning in all areas of development, including social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. learninglandwv.com
Pierpont Community and Technical College Laboratory Preschool
1201 Locust Avenue - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-367-4846
Email: lori.barrett@pierpont.edu
Pierpont Community and Technical College Laboratory Preschool is a model Early Childhood Program inspired by the Reggio Approach. We follow a project and play based curriculum that is led by the interests of the children. The design of our preschool environment encourages research and exploration for learning with a purpose in every space. The children enrolled in our program have an opportunity to play and learn in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment. Our curriculum is based on three important factors: the child's level of development and learning, the child's individual needs, abilities, and interests, and the unique social and cultural background of each child. Our WV Pre-K program is free to all students. Hours Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
Sunbeam
1654 Mary Lou Retton Drive - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-366-8590
Owner/Director - Helen Post-Brown
Sunbeam Early Learning Center was established in the fall of 1980. Sunbeam is Nationally Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We have been accredited since 1998. We follow the Reggio Emilia approach. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy focused on early education. This approach puts the natural development of children as well as the close relationships that they share with their environment at the center of its philosophy. Sunbeam Early Learning Center offers care for children 3 months to 10 years of age. We have worked closely with WV Pre-K since its inception over 10 years ago. WV Pre-K is an enhancement to Sunbeam’s pre-school program. We only accept children who need or want a full 5 days a week program throughout the year. Our hours our 6:30 am to 6:00pm. sunbeamearlylearningcenter.com
Wonderland
811 East Main Street - Mannington, WV
Phone: 304-986-1827
Owner/Director - Mary Jo Elliott
Wonderland is a Quality Tier II center that has been providing extraordinary care for over 20 years. Our staff is educated and certified and we offer a wide variety of choices for your early care and education needs. Our FREE WV Pre-K program runs Monday through Friday 8:30-1:30 with Breakfast and lunch served at no cost to participants. We offer wrap around care for out of school time (before/after Pre-K, holidays, snow days, Early Release days and all non-school days) at a rate of $75.00 per week. We also offer programs for children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Please feel free to contact us and come tour our facility for a more in depth idea of the exciting new opportunities that await your child.
- Child care facilities are open extended hours before and after school times.
- Open on snow days, school holidays, and during summer break.
- Other rooms offer programs for younger siblings.
- Pre-K rooms have certified teachers and follow Creative Curriculum.
Bright Beginnings
22 Moran Circle - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-363-5454
Director/Owner - Debbie Hearn
All staff members are here to provide the most loving secure environment possible. We feel that the connection that the families make with the teachers will help to enhance the experience that your child has in our care. All staff members are experienced early childhood educators. Staff participate in a continuous program of in-service education and studies for professional advancement to remain alert to the ever-changing needs of today’s families and to the findings of current research. We have two spacious Pre-K classrooms. We also have a new outdoor classroom. This gives children all the components of a classroom space, but allows for them to be outside. They have a river with a water pump, tire mound, library cove, fairy garden, sand pit, swings and wooden house. This meets the requirements to allow more outside time but continue their learning experience. Offers before and after school care.
Bumble Bear Corner
303 Columbia Street - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-363-1515
Director/Owner - Gloria Scotchel
Bumble Bear Corner has enjoyed being a collaborative partner with Marion County Board of Education for many years. Our center is conveniently located on the east side of Fairmont just off the Gateway Connector. This makes us easily accessible for working families heading to work via interstate 79. Bumble Bear Corner’s Pre-K hours are 9:00-2:00 Monday -- Friday. One of the advantages for families who enroll with us, is the comfort of continuous care for your student both before and after standard class time. Your child will have the opportunity to explore, grow and learn through our Creative Curriculum inspired lesson plans. We also enroll children 2 yrs – 12 yrs old, with full day out of school time care, Early Release days, Snow Days, part time and summer programs. We have Before/After school program for students from East Dale, East Park, Pleasant Valley and Fairmont Catholic. Let our qualified, nurturing staff help you and your family make the transition between work and home a little easier. Contact us at 304-363-1515 to schedule a visit or speak to our Director about enrollment. Bumble Bear Corner is a CCRC participant.
Heart Junction
115 Main Street - Rivesville, WV
Phone: 304-278-5437
Director/Owner- Gloria Scotchel
Heart Junction is celebrating its 11th year helping to make a positive impact on young children in Marion County. Heart Junction is a child care center with a Universal Pre-K collaborative located in Rivesville. Our center accepts infants to school age, from 6 weeks to 12 yrs. We are open 6:00 am -6:00 pm while the Pre-k classroom is open 9:00 am-2:00 pm five days a week. We offer affordable before/ after care, early release days, holidays, full snow days and an educational summer program. The classroom is led by Mr. Oser who is a very loved and experienced teacher. Each day the children are challenged with literary, mathematics, and social-emotional development while learning through play and interactions. Individual Lesson Plans and evaluations are used daily to promote a very successful learning environment.
Learning Land
1017 Fairmont Avenue - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-333-0186
Director/Owner - Tina Peterman
Learning Land Daycare & Preschool welcomes parents to a new and exciting place where your child can learn and grow. We will provide your little one with the caring guidance of a kind and loving staff in a safe and secure environment. Learning Land Daycare & Preschool uses the WV state adopted Creative Curriculum 2nd Edition. It fosters experiences for children through the first four years of life by providing a powerful influence supported by academic standards. This curriculum is nurturing, consistent, and provides the love all children need to grow and discover the world around them. Creative Curriculum, 2nd Edition, is a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on goals and objectives for children’s learning in all areas of development, including social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. learninglandwv.com
Pierpont Community and Technical College Laboratory Preschool
1201 Locust Avenue - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-367-4846
Email: lori.barrett@pierpont.edu
Pierpont Community and Technical College Laboratory Preschool is a model Early Childhood Program inspired by the Reggio Approach. We follow a project and play based curriculum that is led by the interests of the children. The design of our preschool environment encourages research and exploration for learning with a purpose in every space. The children enrolled in our program have an opportunity to play and learn in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment. Our curriculum is based on three important factors: the child's level of development and learning, the child's individual needs, abilities, and interests, and the unique social and cultural background of each child. Our WV Pre-K program is free to all students. Hours Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
Sunbeam
1654 Mary Lou Retton Drive - Fairmont, WV
Phone: 304-366-8590
Owner/Director - Helen Post-Brown
Sunbeam Early Learning Center was established in the fall of 1980. Sunbeam is Nationally Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We have been accredited since 1998. We follow the Reggio Emilia approach. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy focused on early education. This approach puts the natural development of children as well as the close relationships that they share with their environment at the center of its philosophy. Sunbeam Early Learning Center offers care for children 3 months to 10 years of age. We have worked closely with WV Pre-K since its inception over 10 years ago. WV Pre-K is an enhancement to Sunbeam’s pre-school program. We only accept children who need or want a full 5 days a week program throughout the year. Our hours our 6:30 am to 6:00pm. sunbeamearlylearningcenter.com
Wonderland
811 East Main Street - Mannington, WV
Phone: 304-986-1827
Owner/Director - Mary Jo Elliott
Wonderland is a Quality Tier II center that has been providing extraordinary care for over 20 years. Our staff is educated and certified and we offer a wide variety of choices for your early care and education needs. Our FREE WV Pre-K program runs Monday through Friday 8:30-1:30 with Breakfast and lunch served at no cost to participants. We offer wrap around care for out of school time (before/after Pre-K, holidays, snow days, Early Release days and all non-school days) at a rate of $75.00 per week. We also offer programs for children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Please feel free to contact us and come tour our facility for a more in depth idea of the exciting new opportunities that await your child.
