The Monroe County Community School Corporation opened the 2026-27 school year on Wednesday, August 5. Thanks to public support of the MCCSC 2023 referendum, more MCCSC families now have full or heavily subsidized tuition support for 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Pre-K early learning programs, and enrollment continues to increase.
Preschool and pre-K programs serve to prepare students for kindergarten. Over the past two years, MCCSC preschool and pre-K programs have contributed to an approximate 60% increase in kindergarten readiness, measured through the Indiana Department of Education ISPROUT assessment. This demonstrates that more MCCSC kindergarten students are more prepared to learn, equipped with academic and other school skills.
“Our community’s investment in early learning has resulted in more kindergarten students being school-ready,” said Dr. Tim Dowling, director of early learning and enrollment. “Our families and teachers are reporting how much our children are enjoying all the Pre-K classrooms, including making friends and developing a love for learning. Pre-K students are entering kindergarten with early literacy, numeracy, and academic skills, and they also know what to expect in a classroom, from interacting with other children to following school rules.”
Kindergarten teachers also notice a difference.
“More students are recognizing and knowing how to write their names. Students who participated in Pre-K seemed more comfortable participating in class discussions from the beginning. Students’ familiarity of the school building and with staff has also been helpful!” shared Hannah Crouse, Templeton Elementary kindergarten teacher.
More than 530 MCCSC students are now enrolled in MCCSC or partner provider preschool and pre-K programs and enrollment is ongoing. There is still room for more families to enroll in 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Pre-K programs through MCCSC or partner providers. Families can learn more and enroll at https://earlylearning.mccsc.edu/.
The public is invited to stay informed on news and initiatives at mccsc.edu/community.