High-quality early learning programs prepare children for school
When Shaiann Shubert, a single mother to three boys, moved to Bloomington, she enrolled her youngest son in pre-K at Templeton Elementary School.
“It has been a phenomenal experience,” said Shubert. “It was helpful that pre-K was at the elementary school so my youngest could be there with his brothers.”
Shubert benefited from subsidized tuition for pre-K offered through the MCCSC 2023 Referendum.
“I’m extremely grateful that I was able to send him to Pre-K. It made it possible for me to work,” said Shubert.
Shubert said that her son’s learning accelerated in the program.
“My son wasn’t interested in writing or ABCs until that started taking off during the school year. He also began counting and started to show an interest in math.”
Research shows that children who experience high-quality, play-based early learning programs are more prepared for kindergarten. MCCSC preschool and pre-K programs are accredited and implement this research-based curriculum.
Lisa White, whose granddaughter attended the pre-K program at Grandview Elementary School, said the program allowed her granddaughter to excel.
“She learned counting skills, colors, some reading skills, and days of the week,” said White.
Like Shubert, White also benefited from tuition assistance through the MCCSC 2023 Referendum, which allows her granddaughter to attend pre-K for free.
Enrollment is ongoing for 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Pre-K programs while space is available.
MCCSC’s pre-K program is open to students who turned four years old by August 1, 2025. Through the 2023 Referendum, all MCCSC families, regardless of income, qualify for at least $4,000 in assistance toward the full $8,000 cost of the pre-K program through MCCSC or partner providers. Many families will qualify for more.
MCCSC’s preschool program is open to students who turned three years old by August 1, 2025. MCCSC families whose incomes are 225% or less of the federal poverty level qualify for free tuition through MCCSC’s 2023 Referendum.
White encourages families to enroll.
“Families should consider it because their child can grow tremendously in their learning abilities,” she said. “It also helps parents who work full-time. This is a great opportunity for them.”
Details are available at earlylearning.mccsc.edu.
