October 2, 2020 3:20 a.m.

Free preschool programs in the Winston-Dillard School District currently have openings for qualified students.

A WDSD release said Brockway Elementary is home to two preschool programs. The South-Central Early Learning Hub is providing coordinated enrollment services for the Preschool Promise program at Brockway. The release said the program provides children with a strong learning foundation and prepares them for kindergarten and beyond.

To qualify for the publicly funded Preschool Promise program, a child must reside in Oregon and turn three or four years old by September 1st. They must live with a family whose income is at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level or be in foster care. Preschool Promise is an Oregon Early Learning Division grant-funded program.

Brockway Elementary also offers a program known as Winston-Dillard Preschool. It is funded by a Student Investment Account grant, apportioned by the Oregon Department of Education and allocated by the district school board. Children must be at least four years old by September 1st to apply. This year the program is also available at Lookingglass Elementary.

The release said children enrolled in either program receive guidance from teachers that are highly trained in early childhood education or similar fields. The programs maintain low teacher-student ratios, utilizing instructional assistance as needed. Age appropriate hands-on, play-based instructional activities include literacy, math, science, physical-education, music, art and social-emotional learning. COVID-19 safety measures are followed.

Both programs offer daily breakfast, lunch and snacks provides through the school’s food service program. Rest and nap times are built into the schedules.

Contact the Winston-Dillard School District for more information.