Skip to main content

Early County Elementary School

Follow The Bobcat Way

PreK Program

WELCOME!

A woman with brown hair and hoop earrings smiles at the camera.Jill McFay
PreK Director/ECES Instructional Coach


Phone: 229-723-4101 ext. 8084

Early County Pre-K is a free, state-funded program for four-year-olds. It provides a full-day, 6.5-hour instructional day, five days a week, and follows the school system calendar. The program is designed to prepare children for kindergarten and future academic success.

Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in PreK

Enrolling a child in Pre-K offers numerous benefits, including enhanced early literacy and numeracy skills, improved social-emotional development, and preparation for kindergarten. Pre-K also fosters cognitive development, critical thinking, and a love of learning.

  • Early Literacy and Numeracy: Pre-K programs introduce foundational skills like recognizing letters, sounds, numbers, and basic math concepts, which build a strong base for future academic success.
  • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Through play and structured activities, children develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creativity.
  • Preparation for Kindergarten: Pre-K helps children acclimate to the classroom environment, learn routines, and develop listening skills, making the transition to kindergarten smoother.
  • Socialization and Social Skills: Pre-K provides opportunities for children to interact with peers, learn to share, cooperate, take turns, and develop social skills essential for later success.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Children learn to manage their emotions, understand the emotions of others, and develop empathy, which is crucial for building positive relationships.
  • Self-Esteem and Confidence: Pre-K fosters a sense of self-worth and confidence as children learn new skills and interact in a supportive environment.
  • Foundation for Lifelong Learning: Pre-K lays the groundwork for a love of learning and a curiosity that will continue throughout a child's education.
  • Equal Opportunity for Education: Pre-K can help bridge the achievement gap by providing children from all socioeconomic backgrounds with access to high-quality early childhood education.
  • Parental Support: Pre-K can provide parents with a safe and reliable place for their children to be cared for while they work or attend school, offering peace of mind and flexibility.
    • Early Literacy and Numeracy: Pre-K programs introduce foundational skills like recognizing letters, sounds, numbers, and basic math concepts, which build a strong base for future academic success.
    • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Through play and structured activities, children develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creativity.
    • Preparation for Kindergarten: Pre-K helps children acclimate to the classroom environment, learn routines, and develop listening skills, making the transition to kindergarten smoother.
    • Socialization and Social Skills: Pre-K provides opportunities for children to interact with peers, learn to share, cooperate, take turns, and develop social skills essential for later success.
    • Emotional Intelligence: Children learn to manage their emotions, understand the emotions of others, and develop empathy, which is crucial for building positive relationships.
    • Self-Esteem and Confidence: Pre-K fosters a sense of self-worth and confidence as children learn new skills and interact in a supportive environment.
    • Foundation for Lifelong Learning: Pre-K lays the groundwork for a love of learning and a curiosity that will continue throughout a child's education.
    • Equal Opportunity for Education: Pre-K can help bridge the achievement gap by providing children from all socioeconomic backgrounds with access to high-quality early childhood education.
    • Parental Support: Pre-K can provide parents with a safe and reliable place for their children to be cared for while they work or attend school, offering peace of mind and flexibility.