SAN ANTONIO – Summer is just getting into full swing but it's already time for Pre-K registration for the North East Independent School District.
Early registration for pre-kindergarten kicked off Tuesday morning with nearly 100 parents and children packing the library at Steubing Ranch Elementary School at 5100 Knoll Creek.
David Torres, father to 3-year-old David, said he and his son were both excited about the prospect of Pre-K.
"He is anxious to learn," Torres said. "He counts, he reads a little bit, so it's about time for him to start going to school."
Ramona Gadalla said she had been planning for Pre-K since before her youngest child was born.
"It's important to start socializing with other children, to start playing together, to start learning," said Gadalla.
The Pre-K program has eligibility requirements set by the state that caters to children who may have educational disadvantages.
For example, Engish may not be their primary language. They may also have financial disadvantages or complicated home situations.
"They're lacking some of those kindergarten readiness skills and so attending a Pre-K program allows them some of those opportunities they otherwise might not have exposure to," said Julia Schneider, assistant director for NEISD's Early Childhood.
This is the first year NEISD has held early registration this far before the school year. Officials say tt helps determine, beforehand, if children are eligible.
About 1,300 students are expected to enroll in Pre-K at NEISD this year.
Early registration for Pre-K at NEISD schools is taking place through July 9. Here is the schedule:
July 1 & 2, 2014
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Â
Steubing Ranch Elementary School
July 7, 2014
8:30 a.m. - 5;30 p.m.
East Terrel Hills Elementary School
July 8, 2014
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
El Dorado Elementary School
July 9, 2014
8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Jackson-Keller Elementary School.
More information is available on the district's website.
Northside Independent School District is also holding pre-kindergarten registration. It's being held July 7-10 at the Northside Activity Center, 7001 Culebra Road.
The schedule of days and times are determined by which school the student will attend. The schedule is available here.
The district's Pre-K programs are not to be confused with the city's Pre-K 4 SA program. While NEISD and NISD do not have a cap on the number of kids they allow in their Pre-K program, Pre-K 4 SA does.
Pre-K 4 SA is also accepting applications for the coming school year. More information is available here.