Preschool/Sure Start
Prekindergarten (Pre-K)
Pre-K is a partial day, standards-based program that serves all eligible military dependents and families in schools who live on stateside installations with DoDEA Americas schools. Pre-K programs implement a comprehensive curriculum promoting child development and learning in the following domains and content areas: physical, social- emotional, cognitive, language, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and the arts. DoDEA Pre-K programs are developmentally appropriate; follow an adopted curriculum, and provide safe, caring, learning environments which engage young children in intentional learning experiences. Current adopted DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards and curriculum materials are implemented in the Pre-K classroom.Â
Enrollment Eligibility
Prekindergarten is a program for eligible military dependents who are currently living on a military installation , stateside or Guam, with a DoDEA Americas school and meet the four year old age requirement (must turn four years old by September 1 of the current school year).
Parent Participation Requirements
Sure Start parent participation is valued and integral to the success of the program. Parents must agree to participate in their children’s class as a precondition to their child’s enrollment. Thirty hours per parent are required for each participating family. Both parents in two-parent families are expected to contribute their time equally. Parents who are deployed for an extended period of time are still expected to volunteer, but will have a modified schedule during the time of deployment.
Sure Start Components
Sure Start is an educational program, which offers a comprehensive approach for preschool children with the following components:
Education Component:
Thoughtful and intentional planning ensures that the program environment, curriculum, materials, routines, and activities are appropriate to the children’s ages, individual needs, and cultures.
Health and Nutrition Component:
Medical, dental, and developmental screenings are provided for all enrolled children. Immediate follow-up assessment and services are provided if problems are identified. Nutritious lunches and snacks are also provided at no cost to families of enrolled Sure Start students. Enrollment in the School Meal Program is required. Click the link below to access your school's Food Services Page.
Social Services Component:
The Sure Start program establishes and maintains an outreach and recruitment process that systematically ensures enrollment of eligible children regardless of race, sex, creed, color, national origin, or disability. This component assists with improving the condition and quality of family life and makes parents aware of community services and resources, and facilitates their use.
Parent Involvement Component:
Families of all children enrolled in the program are actively involved through required participation in classroom activities, parent education meetings, conferences, and home visits.
