The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) offers school districts funding to provide high quality learning oppotunities so that students enter kindergarten socially, emotionally and academically prepared.  Currently, USD 232 participates in the KSDE Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program and is able to offer free preschool opportunities for students who meet the grant criteria (limited space is available). 

To qualify, students must meet one or more of the following at-risk criteria:                                                                 

1.)Free Lunch: Family qualifies for free meals under the National School Lunch Program (annual application must be on file at the district office).

2.) Unmarried parent: On the first day of school a custodial parent is unmarried.

3.) Referral from Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF): signed referral to school district from DCF describing the need for the child to attend the Pre-K program. 

4.) Teem Parents: At least one parent was a teenager (19 and below) when the child was born.

5.) Lack of Highschool Dipolma or GED: On the first day of school, either parent lacks a high school dipolma or a GED.

6.) Limited English Proficiency: Limited English Proficiency status must be documented.  (Student will be administered assessment, following a home language survery to determine qualification.)

7.) Migrant Status: Copy of Certificate of eligbility must be on file

8.) Homelessness: Homeless must be documented and varified

9.) Lower than expected developmental progress. (Student will be administered assessments and results must indicate need below the 40th percentile.)