MCS set to assist 4-year-olds at ‘Pre-K Express’ June 16 | Parents & kids

On Saturday, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., thousands of families will visit the Memphis Cook Convention Center for Memphis City Schools’ 4th Annual Pre-K Express event.  Pre-K Express is a one-stop-shop for enrolling children in prekindergarten classes for the 2012-2013 school year.  The MSC Pre-K program provides 4,100 spaces at 205 locations – classes are held at elementary schools in the district, Shelby County Head Start Centers, and at community partner sites.  The initiative helps 4-year-old children to become adequately prepared for kindergarten.  Studies prove that Pre-K education helps students to make strides in grade school and beyond, which gave rise to the program’s motto: “Pre-K is the answer!”

The family-friendly event signals the end of Pre-K enrollment for 2012-2013 and helps parents to see what goes into Pre-K learning.  Pre-K Express features model classrooms, learning games, children’s books, free backpacks and school supplies, applications, onsite screenings, vendors and entertainment.  Families are encouraged to arrive early at the convention center – last year, 15,000 parents and children were in attendance; many were in line before the 8 a.m. start time.

“Our children are, and should be, our first priority,” says Carolyn Harvey, Ed.D, director of the MCS Pre-K Office.  “We thank our community partners, civic leaders, and citizens for recognizing the importance of Pre-K learning, and for their diligent support of Pre-K Express.”

The event will include a “Meet and Greet Breakfast” to allow Pre-K supporters an opportunity to discuss the value of Pre-K education.  MCS Superintendent Kriner Cash, Ph.D., and Shelby County Schools Superintendent John Aitken will be available, along with Memphis Mayor AC Wharton, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, City Councilman Myron Lowery, State Representatives G.A. Hardaway, Antonio Parkinson and Karen Kemper, State Senator Reginald Tate, and School Board Commissioners Betty Mallot and Reginald Porter.

Pre-K applications will be reviewed until all 4,100 spaces are filled.  To enroll, children must reside in Memphis and be four years old on or before September 30.  The program is free of charge – priority is given to families meeting low income guidelines.  Applications are available in both English and Spanish, and children are screened for eligibility.  To complete the application process, parents must provide a certified birth certificate, proof of income, two proofs of residency, and the child’s health and immunization records.

For more information about Pre-K Express or the MCS Pre-K program, call the MCS Pre-K Office at (901) 416-3450 or visit www.mcsk12.net/prek/.

Information provided by Memphis City Schools.