Welcome to Sevier County Pre-K!

The Sevier County School System’s 2025-26 Pre-K applications are available for pick up at each elementary school in the district. Upon picking up a packet at the school in which you wish to enroll, you will receive an appointment card for screening. Screenings begin April 17th by appointment only. Once all screening appointment slots are filled, additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist. The Pre-K program is specifically funded for children in economically disadvantaged situations. However, we encourage everyone to apply even if they may not qualify as economically disadvantaged because occasionally there are student openings after the economically disadvantaged children are placed in the classes.

PRE-K ELIGIBILITY

Child must be 4 yrs of age on or before August 15 of the current school year

First Priority:

● Family income meets the requirements for federal poverty guidelines (2025 US Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Excel Sheet)

● Family receives SNAP or TANF benefits

● Homeless status

● Child is in state custody or foster care

● Child has a parent that is deployed in active military duty

Second Priority:

● Child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan)

● Low developmental screening

If space is available, we may enroll children based upon additional priority for enrollment:

● Child is living in a single parent household

● Child is an English Language Learner (ELL)

● Child’s guardian is someone other than a biological parent

● Child receives WIC, SSI, Families First services

Our goal is to assist families and the community in providing developmentally appropriate support and services.

Enrollment is based upon a child’s eligibility as identified in TCA- 49-6-101-104. First priority students are those identified as economically disadvantaged. This identification is based on income levels set each year by the Department of Health and Human Services. Other enrollment eligibility includes: children with disabilities, children identified as English Language Learners, who are in state custody, or those identified as educationally at-risk due to neglect or abuse.

If space continues to be available after placing all eligible four-year-old children, other four-year old children may be considered for placement in any of our classrooms across the district.

PRE-K APPLICATION AND SCREENING

The Sevier County School System holds a Pre-K roundup in late March at each elementary school in the district. The date is announced on the district’s website, individual school websites, and via public notice throughout the community.

Children must be four years of age on or before August 15th of the current year to apply. The Pre-K program is specifically funded for children in economically disadvantaged situations. However, we encourage everyone to apply even if they may not qualify as economically disadvantaged because occasionally there are student openings after the economically disadvantaged children are placed in the classes.

All submitted Pre-K applications and documents will be reviewed by Pre-K staff to help determine eligibility for placement in a Pre-K classroom. Not all students who apply will be accepted. Our priority is to enroll students identified as ‘at-risk’. The ‘at-risk’ factors are determined by the Tennessee Department of Education, and include such factors as family income, family structure, and other unique family situations. Each Pre K site is limited to twenty (20) students.

Families who pick up applications on the application release date each spring will be included in the initial placement selection process for the following school year. Families will be notified by the end of June of the status of their child's application (accepted, on waiting list, need more info to determine qualification or does not qualify).

PRE-K PROGRAMMING

When you walk into our high-quality PreK classrooms, you will see children involved in active, hands-on learning that engages each child and fosters a love of learning. Activities are designed to enhance a child's natural curiosity and desire to learn through participation in both large and small group activities. Play is essential to the development of strong learners. We follow the TN Early Learning Developmental Standards and the TN Child Care Rules and Regulations.

There is no charge for children to attend the PreK program. All enrolled students must meet eligibility requirements.
Pre-K students attend school for 6 hours each school day. Typically, PreK students start school 30 minutes after other students and are dismissed 30 minutes before all other students are dismissed. Each school determines the start and end times for PreK. Transportation is not provided for Pre-K students. Pre-K follows the Sevier County School System calendar for holidays, breaks and snow days.
Daily attendance is critical for your child in order to be ready for Kindergarten. When your child is absent, please send a doctor's excuse or parent note to school the next day. This gets you in the habit of what is expected as they enter Kindergarten through high school.
The Pre-K classes participate in the Sevier County School System’s Child Nutrition Services. School meals are currently free for all students.
Transportation is provided by parents or guardians. Bus transportation is not provided for Pre-K students
Parents/Guardians must be able to pick-up their PreK student at the time of dismissal. Before and after school care is not available at the school
You will be notified by May 30, 2025 if your child is placed in a PreK class or added to the waiting list.

Your child's teacher will contact you a week or so before school begins to answer any questions and to give you information about the staggered schedule for PreK students. Your child must have all required registration documents on file before he/she can begin Pre-K.
Your child's name will be placed on a waiting list. Families will be contacted (based on ranked eligibility status) to see if you are still interested in the Pre-K program as seats are available.