Early Childhood Program
The Department of Elementary Early Childhood program builds the foundation for learning through high-quality early childhood education. Our early childhood initiatives are designed to meet young children’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs leading to lifelong academic success.
Motto
Our motto is “Children First!” Nowhere is this more true than in United’s Early Childhood Programs. Our programs are tailored to the needs of four and five year old children. We know that a solid foundation is the base for student academic success. At United Independent School District, we look forward to partnering with you to see your child meet his/her educational goals.
Goals
Our goal is to build a solid foundation that prepares young children for school success by supporting their physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth through a high-quality education.
- SUPPORTING students by nurturing their academic and emotional development.
- TRANSFORMING communities by fostering collaborative relationships with our families, the Webb County Head Start, Start Early, and Texas A&M International University
- EMPOWERING educators with high-quality staff development, Texas PK Guideline & Head Start Performance Standards based curriculum, and the resources needed for student success
Vision
To provide a High-Quality Prekindergarten (HQPK) collaborative program with families and our community which includes the Webb County Head Start Program. Our skill-based scope and sequence is driven by the 2022 Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines which are vertically aligned with the Texas 0-3 Early Learning Guidelines & Kindergarten TEKS and horizontally aligned with the Head Start Program Performance Standards. As a result, our High-Quality Prekindergarten Program equips our educators with the knowledge, support, and curriculum needed to prepare our PK students for Kindergarten success.
Prekindergarten 4 Eligibility Requirements [Statute: TEC 29.153(b)]
A child is eligible for enrollment in Pre-K if the child is 4 years-old as of September 1st of the school year in which you wish to enroll your child, and meets one of the following:
- unable to speak and comprehend the English language; or
- is educationally disadvantaged; or
- is homeless; or
- the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States; or
- the child of a member of the armed forces who was injured or killed while on active duty; or
- is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services; or
- is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award under the Government code 3106.002, 3106.003, 3106.004.
PK4 Eligibility Documentation: A district must verify a student’s eligibility for pre-k to receive funding for the pre-k program. Districts must have the verification document and any required documentation on file for their records.
Prekindergarten Registration Documentation
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card (optional)
- Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Lease or Home Closing Papers)
- Immunization Record
- Proof of Income (Pay Stubs, SNAP Eligibility or TANF Benefits Letter)
- Identification of parent or guardian
- Military Orders* (if applicable)
- Foster Care Letter** (if applicable)
*Military Dependents Must Also Have the Following: Department of Defense photo identification or Statement of Service letter from the AG or Human Resources if active reservist or member of the Texas National Guard
**Families With Children in Foster Care Must Also Have the Following: Documentation from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Resources
Implementing High-Quality Prekindergarten (HQPK) Practices
United ISD offers an early childhood program aligned with the following statutory TEA requirements.
*HQPK Curriculum:
Three Cheers for Pre-K/ Uno, dos, tres Prekinder by SAVVAS Learning Company
Our United ISD PK curriculum is aligned to the 2015 Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and the Kindergarten Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. On the 2020 TEA: Texas Resource Review, Three Cheers for Pre-K scored 100% on all 11 sections reviewed. It is a comprehensive curriculum which engages students in the 10 developmental domains from the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines. Teachers receive quality staff development to empower them in providing rich opportunities for their students and their families.
*HQPK Curriculum:
CLI Engage Circle Progress Monitoring Assessment - Is on The Commissioner's List of Approved Prekindergarten Progress Monitoring Instruments
In order for our teachers to provide a high quality education to our youngest students it is imperative that we evaluate to acquire data, use the data to establish individualized instruction, and work collaboratively with parents and community to assure continuous student success.
*HQPK Teacher Qualifications:
Every PK4 class at United ISD is taught by an Early Childhood certified teacher who is specially trained to work with young learners. Our United ISD certified PK teachers are provided with weekly PLC high quality professional development that aims to support their additional qualifications needed to ensure student achievement.
*HQPK Class Size & Student-Teacher Ratio:
United ISD enrolls no more than 22 students in a Prekindergarten class. Teacher/student ratios are a key quality indicator in our United ISD early childhood education program. United ISD offers a student/teacher ratio for PK4 is 22:2.
*HQPK Family Engagement:
United ISD strongly believes in establishing a collaborative partnership with the families of the students we serve. As a result, we have established a United ISD Prekindergarten Family Engagement Plan which includes an informational Family Tool Kit.
*HQPK Program Evaluation: United ISD PK Program Self-Assessment
A high quality component encompasses an ongoing process to improve student outcomes. United ISD involves PK stakeholders in TEA reflection and evaluation process that identifies areas of strength along with opportunities for growth as means of continuous PK program improvement.
Webb County Head Start Partnership
United ISD has established a partnership with Webb County Head Start. Our Pk4 Program work collaboratively with the Webb County Head Start personnel to insure student success. The Webb County Head Start Program is a comprehensive child development and early education program that helps children become better prepared to succeed in school and in life by addressing the needs of the whole child. In addition to providing a research-based academic curricula, Head Start also provides an array of comprehensive services, including health and mental health screenings and services, nutrition, dental and vision services, and extensive parental involvement and early childhood development.
Kindergarten
A full-day instructional program for kindergarten is conducted in each elementary school. The program is designed to promote academic skills, which provide a firm foundation for later school success. Kindergarten classes follow the required Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. The TEKS identify the skills and concepts that 5-year-olds are expected to know and able to demonstrate by the completion of the kindergarten year.
Kindergarten Registration
Documentation:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card (optional)
- Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Lease or Home Closing Papers)
- Immunization Record
- Proof of Income (Pay Stubs, SNAP Eligibility or TANF Benefits Letter)
- Identification of parent or guardian
Early Childhood Transition Plans
Making the transition to a new learning setting can have an impact on both children and their families. We support families and help them feel secure about their move to a new setting.
Let's Visit An Elementary School! We can take a closer look at a Prekindergarten classroom and get familiar with the different facilities in an Elementary School.
Sing & Learn About School Simply click on the links below and enjoy!
Canta y Aprende Sobre la Escuela ¡Simplemente haga clic en los enlaces y disfrute!
Early Childhood Transition Articles
Reference Guides for educators and families during early childhood transitions
Early Childhood Websites
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