Smart Start Rowan is accepting applications for the More at Four pre-kindergarten program.
More at Four is a statewide, high-quality pre-k program that serves 4-year-old children who are at risk and prepares them for success in school.
Children in More at Four attend a full school day, full school year program that meets high-quality state standards.
Currently, there are sixteen More at Four funded sites with 25 classrooms located in Rowan County. Children may be served in classrooms in the public schools, four or five star licensed child care centers, or Head Start programs. Parents are not charged any fees for the program.
The More at Four program is especially beneficial for children most at risk of school failure. According to independent evaluation findings by the Frank Porter Graham (FPG) Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, children served by More at Four exhibit substantial growth in key areas including language, literacy, math and social skills.
The program serves children who will be 4 on or before Aug. 31, who will be entering kindergarten the following year (2010-2011), and are at risk for poor school outcomes.
Factors that put children at risk for poor school outcomes include low income, limited English proficiency, identified disability, chronic health condition and a developmental or educational need. Children of Active Duty Military families are also eligible. Priority is given to eligible children who have not been served in any other preschool or child care program.
Applications for the local More at Four Program are available on Smart Start Rowan’s Web site at www.rowan-smartstartrowan. org or can be picked up at the Smart Start Rowan office at 1839 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.
Applications are accepted on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. until May 6.
For more information, contact Melinda McHone at 704-603-3369.