Education
Universal Prekindergarten: A new chapter in DODEA Education
Department of Defense Education Activity
August 20, 2024
(Photo courtesy of DODEA)
The Department of Defense Education Activity is pleased to announce the implementation of Universal Prekindergarten in 80 locations for School Year 2024-25. This initiative marks the first phase of a comprehensive three-phase plan to enhance early childhood education within the DODEA school system.
(Photo courtesy of DODEA)
(Photo courtesy of DODEA)
(Photo courtesy of DODEA)
Key program details
- Phase I: 80 schools, including MC Perry Primary School, which opened in 2023-24, will open their doors to young learners, providing a solid foundation for their educational journey.
- Phases II and III: An additional 10 schools will join the program, extending the reach and impact of this transformative initiative.
Universal Prekindergarten Program (Photo courtesy of DODEA)
School enrollment
DODEA will implement universal full-day PK at most elementary schools beginning in 2024-25, expanding equity and access, and providing intervening services for all four-year-olds who meet with the current eligibility policies.
PK enrollment is projected to be similar to the current kindergarten enrollment.
Students who currently have a disability and are eligible for educational and related services within their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will enroll in the PK program and be supported in an inclusive environment to ensure a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
DODEA’s PK Program will embrace and implement the co-teaching methodology in which teachers are paired together to share responsibilities of planning, instructing, and assessing students to provide a continuum of services.
Universal Prekindergarten Program (Photo courtesy of DODEA)
Prekindergarten benefits
- Education: PK helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond by building foundational abilities in language, literacy, and math.
- Social-Emotional: PK programs can help children develop important social-emotional skills, such as cooperation, communication, and self-regulation.
- Cognitive: Studies have shown that children who attend PK programs have better cognitive outcomes, such as better memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Economic: Investing in PK may have long-term savings to the government, such as reducing the need for special education services and increasing the likelihood of children graduating from high school and going on to college or a career. It is also a significant cost savings for military families who pay for private PK programs and/or childcare services.
- Closing the achievement gap: PK programs can help to close the achievement gap between children from different backgrounds to include socio-economic, sex, racial, and/or ethnic, by providing children from disadvantaged backgrounds with the same educational opportunities as their more affluent peers.
- Family engagement: PK programs support families by providing them with resources and information to support their child’s learning at home and encouraging family engagement in the child’s education.
Family-style dining
The full-day PK program will include lunch served family-style in the classroom. Family-style dining is a meal service which permits children to serve themselves and make choices in selecting foods and serving size. The use of small pitchers, a limited number of portions on service plates, and adult assistance enables children to successfully serve themselves. Family-style dining is a best practice and is encouraged by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The DODEA Student Information System (DSIS) will provide multiple notifications during the enrollment process about the mandatory participation in the Student Meal Program (SMP) as part of the enrollment conditions.
Universal Prekindergarten Program (Photo courtesy of DODEA)
Milestone achievement
While select schools within DODEA have previously offered the Sure Start Program and part-time Prekindergarten to eligible families, this marks the FIRST time DODEA will have a PK program OPEN in ALL primary schools. DODEA is committed to creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment for our military-connected students.
Program highlights
- Qualified educators: Our prekindergarten program will be led by qualified and experienced early childhood educators.
- Tailored curriculum: Age-appropriate curriculum designed to cater to individual needs.
- Play-based learning: Encouraging creativity and critical thinking through play-based activities.
- Family collaboration: Collaborative partnerships with parents and families to enhance the learning experience.