The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) is a state funded readiness program for at-risk children who are four (4) years of age on August 15. “At-risk” is defined by the state as economically disadvantaged. Other “at-risk” factors which may be used to determine eligibility may include but are not limited to: English as a Second Language, foster care, social-emotional behaviors, and family/environmental factors. Due to state funding, there are limited classrooms available in Williamson County – priority placement is given to families that are economically disadvantaged. The VPK program provides a foundation for learning and successful transition to the school environment.

Parents/Legal Guardians of children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15 and are zoned for Williamson County Schools.

Families may complete an application with their current residential address (street, city, state, zip code). In the additional information section of the application, parents will need toprovide the approximate move date and the Williamson County residential address if known. Parents may also state additional information regarding the relocation. Families may complete the application process but will be kept “on hold”. Once the family has moved and resides in Williamson County, a placement decision will be provided.

All applications are submitted online on the Williamson County Schools District website.

After you submit your child/children’s application, your application will be reviewed based on the eligibility guidelines set by the Tennessee Department of Early Learning. You will be sent an email with instructions on how to complete the Income Verification step in the application process. 

In the case of multiple children, complete an application for each child. All applications will be considered for placement. More than one application submitted for the same child will only hinder the application process.

No, the Pre-K program is only available for children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15, using the birthdate guidelines. This is a Tennessee State Law for all Voluntary Pre-K programs (VPK).

No, every application will be reviewed for eligibility, but all interested parents are encouraged to turn in applications as soon as possible to be considered for enrollment.

Upon completion of the Income Verification process, families will be notified of an eligibility decision by EMAIL. If a child has been accepted and placed in a VPK classroom, the email will state which school location your child has been selected to attend for Pre-K. Every effort is made to place the child at a school closest to the child’s home. You will be able to confirm your acceptance to the class list or you may deny your child’s placement and participation in the program. The acceptance letter will contain information concerning enrollment procedures to confirm your child’s place in the class. You will also be notified if your child does not meet the income eligibility for acceptance into a Pre-K classroom.

No, the TN State Department of Education does not provide enough funding for a pre-k program in every elementary school in our county.

Pre-K classes are housed inside elementary schools throughout the Williamson County Schools District. Each school year, the locations are determined based on the applications received and the needs of the district as well as space availability within the elementary schools. Pre-K classes may be moved from one school to another to best serve the families of Williamson County.

Priority placement for classes is given to children of families who are eligible due to financial need. If after all income eligible students are placed and space is still available, additional applicants are considered for placement based on his/her individual need. Every effort is made to place the child at his/her kindergarten zoned school but if not available then the child is placed at a Pre-K school closest to their home.

All children develop differently therefore children’s needs are also defined differently. A child may need help in social areas, emotional development, academic preparation, or environmental stability. There are many factors which determine a child’s success in school.

No, all of the children enrolled in the Pre-K classes qualify for the program through the eligibility guidelines set by the TN Department of Early Learning. The WCS Student Support Services Department offers an Early Childhood Program for children ages 3-5 which does include peer models. The Early Childhood program has morning and afternoon classes which meet on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. For information regarding the Early Childhood Peer program please visit the Early Learning webpage.

Williamson County, in compliance with federal and state law, provides a service called Child Find. Child Find is a screening to find children who live within the district, who may need special education services and support.