Pre-K Eligibility
In order to attend Pre-kindergarten within the Pulaski County Special School District, families must meet at least one of the eligibility requirements issued by the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program.
The PCSSD Prekindergarten program operates under the regulations of the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC). Each classroom is licensed and monitored by OEC and ABC. This program adheres to Pulaski County Special School District Policies, ABC Rules and Regulations, and OEC Minimum Licensing Requirements.
Eligible children for the ABC program shall have at least one of the following characteristics: (Parent must provide official documentation of eligibility criteria.)
Family with gross income not exceeding 200% of FPL (see chart below)
Parents without a high school diploma or GED
Low birth weight (below 5 pounds, 9 ounces)
Parent under the age of 18 at the time of child's birth
Immediate family member with documented history of substance abuse/addiction
Child has a developmental delay as identified through screening
Eligible for services under IDEA
Limited English proficiency
Parent has a history of abuse or neglect or is a victim of abuse or neglect (documented)
An age-eligible child who falls into of the following categories shall be exempt from the family income requirements. (Parent must provide official documentation of eligibility criteria.)
Foster child
Child in custody of/or living with a family member other than the mother or father
Child with immediate family member arrested for or convicted of drug-related offense
Child with parent activated for overseas military duties
Age Requirements
The following age requirements apply to those seeking to attend PCSSD Pre-K for the 2024-2025 school year:
Children enrolling in the four year old classes must be 4 on or before August 1, 2024.
Acceptable birth dates range from August 2, 2019 - August 1, 2020.
Children enrolling in the three year old classes must be 3 on or before August 1, 2024.
Acceptable birth dates range from August 2, 2020 - August 1, 2021.
Qualifying 4-year-old students will be placed before 3-year-old students.
Income Eligibility
To be eligible for Pre-K services, your family income must be less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
Family Size | 200% of Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|
2 | $40,880 |
3 | $51,640 |
4 | $62,400 |
5 | $73,160 |
6 | $83,920 |
7 | $94,680 |
8 | $105,440 |
2 | $40,880 |
*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person.