In 2002, the West Virginia Legislature passed legislation guaranteeing access to quality preschool programs for all four-year-olds by the 2012-2013 school year. The legislation mandates school districts to collaborate with existing early childhood programs to provide these services. In fact, at least 50% of WV PRE-K classrooms must be housed in community settings.

Each year every school district in the state must submit a plan describing how it intends to continue phasing in the WV PRE-K program in their district. All early childhood providers in Wayne County are invited to participate in a collaborative planning process that takes place through the course of the year. A needs assessment is conducted annually to assess the current status of services within the county to four-year-olds and to determine what steps need to be taken to move the district toward full implementation of the WV PRE-K program. The result of the collaborative planning process is an annual plan that outlines program goals and activities and identifies the locations of county WV PRE-K classrooms for the coming year.

Current Collaborative Wayne County Pre-K Programs

• Playmates Child Care Center of Kenova
• Playmates Child Care Center of Lavalette
• Bison Playmates Child Development Center
• Playmates Child Care Center at Ceredo Elem.
• Westmoreland Playmates Child Development Center
• Thompson Head Start/Pre-K Program
• East Lynn Head Start/Pre-K Program
• Kenova Elem. Head Start/Pre-K Program
• Bison Center Pre-K Program
• Kenova Elem. Pre-K Program
• Thomson Pre-K Program
• Wayne Elem. Pre-K Program (2 classrooms)

Key Components of WV Pre-K Programs

• State Approved Curriculum
• Kindergarten Transition
• Breakfast and Lunch Provided
• No Additional Cost to Families
• Environments that provide a safe and healthy place for children to learn and grow.
• Utilization of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning approach based on scientific research about how children learn.
• Provide the building blocks for language and early literacy so children are ready to learn to read when they approach school age.
• Provide activities designed to support the development of early numeracy skills.
• Work cooperatively with families to assure meaningful communication and involvement in their child’s program.
• Provide linkages through curriculum and activities to promote smooth transitions to kindergarten for children and families.
• Provide educational settings inclusive of all children, including children with disabilities.

Benefits of Enrollment

• Opportunities for families to participate in decision making about their child’s education.
• Classroom instruction furnished by a certified teacher.
• Facilities licensed through DHHR.
• Children assessed on their individual developmental progress.
• Ratio 1 adult to 10 children.
• Developmental Screenings provided.

Attendance Policy

Enrollment in the Wayne County Pre-K Program is voluntary. However, once a child is enrolled, Wayne County Schools’ attendance policy will apply. Regular attendance is critical if children are to benefit from the program.

Playmates Pre-K Enrollment Form for Wayne County

Limited Space Available.

Classes follow Wayne County School Schedule.

For more information about Playmates Pre-K Program please contact:

Jennifer Spangler
3603 Piedmont Road
Huntington, WV 25704
304-908-1230
jcs0810@aol.com