LA4 Preschool

Tracy Smith,

LA 4 Contact

Introduction:

The purpose of the Cecil J. Picard LA4 Preschool Program is to provide access to high quality, developmentally appropriate pre-kindergarten classes to at-risk four-year-old children who are eligible to enter public school kindergarten the following year.

Funding Eligibility Criteria:

LA4 Preschool Program funds are available to children whose family is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.  LA4 classes shall be provided at no cost except for the applicable breakfast and lunch cost to the child who is eligible to receive reduced-price meals.

Program Philosophy:

Local LA4 Programs adhere to the child development philosophy as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  Developmentally appropriate practices have proven to be effective in early childhood education.  Inherent in this philosophy is the provision of a child-centered program directed toward the development of cognitive, social, emotional, language and literacy, and motor skills in a manner and at a pace consistent with the needs and capabilities of the individual.

Attendance

A student enrolled in the LA4 Prekindergarten Program shall adhere to the attendance requirements as addressed in the Vernon Parish Handbook.  Daily attendance is very important in the LA4 Program.  A student must be in attendance 90% of the month in order to adhere to guidelines set forth by the grants which fund the program.  

Staff:

Teachers are highly qualified.  They are certified through the Louisiana Department of Education.  Classroom size is limited to no more than 20 students per two adults - 1 teacher and 1 paraprofessional.

Transportation:

Transportation services are made available to all LA4 students attending the school within their zone to ensure that each child is present for the educational/instructional portion of the day.

Parent Involvement:

Parents are encouraged to be part of the LA4 Program by attending parent-teacher meetings, field trips, and any activity relating to child development.

The following schools have an LA4 Preschool Program:

Anacoco Elementary - 337-239-3040

East Leesville Elementary - 337-239-4966

Evans High School - 337-286-5689

Pickering Elementary School - 337-537-3394

Pitkin High School - 337-358-3121

North Polk Elementary - 337-537-5109

Rosepine Elementary School - 337-463-4203

Simpson High School - 337-383-7810

For more information contact:

Theresa Williams

(337) 239-6899