Early Childhood Education

Studies indicate that children who attend quality preschools may have higher math and reading skills, demonstrate better readiness for kindergarten, exhibit improved classroom conduct, and have higher chances of completing high school and pursuing higher education.

Round Rock ISD is proud to offer qualifying families with three years old two early childhood learning options. Full-day PreK3 on a participating District campus or half-day PreK3 instruction with full-day care at a local child care center that is 3 and 4-star Texas Rising Star certified. Some eligibility applies and transportation is NOT included. Students that are 4 years old on or before September 1 of the school year and are eligible for PreK4 are not age eligible to participate in the tuition-based PreK3 program.

Early learners will engage in relevant and meaningful learning experiences in a nurturing environment that fosters the well-being and success of all students. Our professional certified early education teachers prioritize the whole child’s development, emphasizing social and emotional learning alongside academic growth.

PreK3 students receive instruction that:

• Is effective, and grounded in the most recent early childhood research,
• facilitates a responsive learning environment,
• aligns to all state early learning guidelines, and
• promotes high-quality learning experiences that are adaptable to meet the unique needs of each child.

Campus-based full-day PreK3
2023-2024 PROGRAM IS FULL. Enrollment for 2024-2025 opens in Spring 2024.

Round Rock ISD Early Childhood Education proudly offers full-day instruction for 3-year-old students at five top-rated District campuses, Berkman Arts Integration Academy, Jollyville, Laurel Mountain, Old Town, and Redbud elementary schools.

Class size is limited to 20 students, with one PreK3 classroom per participating campus. PreK3 programs are for children three years old on or before September 1 who reside within District boundaries. The monthly tuition fee for students who meet at least one criteria for entry established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is $200. The full monthly tuition fee of $640 is charged for students who do not meet TEA criteria.

PreK3 On-Campus Locations

Parents/guardians can select their location preference during enrollment. Space at the preferred location is not guaranteed.

• Berkman Arts Integration Academy Elementary School
• Jollyville Elementary School
• Laurel Mountain Elementary School
• Old Town Elementary School
• Redbud Elementary School

A day in full day PreK3 may look like:

Schedules vary by school; please check with your child’s instructor for specifics.

• 7:30–8 a.m., Arrival
  Breakfast, arrival procedures, sign in, and language development activities.
• 8–8:15 a.m., Morning welcome
  Welcome song/music and other content-based activities.
• 8:15–9:45 a.m., Learning centers, and small groups
  Children work in free-choice centers. The teacher works with early literacy small groups throughout the morning.
• 9:45-10:30 a.m., Outside play
  Weather permitting
• 10:30–10:45 a.m., Vocabulary development
  Read aloud and other vocabulary building activities.
• 10:45–11:15 a.m., Lunch
• 11:15–12 p.m., Rest
  The teaching assistant and the Pre-K lunch monitor sit with the children to assist with the meal and model appropriate behavior.
• 12 -1:30 p.m. Early numeracy development
  Center time and early numeracy activities
• 1:30 -1:45 p.m. Circle time
• 1:45 – 1:55 p.m. Early numeracy
  The teacher works with early numeracy groups
• 1:55 – 2:40 p.m. Structure outdoor physical activity
• 2:40 – 2:55 p.m. Closing circle
  End of day music and movement
• 2:55 – 3:15 p.m. End of day
  Dismissal procedures

Round Rock ISD Early Childhood Philosophy

Children learn through developmentally appropriate activities and play. A literacy-rich environment and positive interactions with peers and adults facilitate language enrichment, social skills, emotional intelligence, self-help skills, pre-reading skills, and cognitive skills. Our PreK3 program utilizes a variety of research-based curricula adopted through Round Rock ISD. PreK3 classes implement the District curriculum that is written and aligned to the state-adopted prekindergarten guidelines.

Curriculum resources used in the classroom include:

• Circle – developmentally appropriate curriculum used in ECSE and PreK3 classrooms.
• Handwriting Without Tears – a writing curriculum used to teach pre-writing skills.
• STAR- a comprehensive, standards based thematic curriculum for preschool students. The curriculum is differentiated to meet the needs of a variety of learners.
• Conscious Discipline – Classroom behavior management system that provides routines and rituals that create a safe place for all in the classroom. The system facilitates skills such as self-calming, emotional control, sharing and a sense of “school family.”

Tuition

Each year prekindergarten tuition must be approved by the Texas Education Agency Commissioner’s Office. Tuition will be a non prorated fee per school year regardless of holidays, early release days, etc., and will be divided into payments. Payments will take place for the ten-month period of August through May. The annual tuition cost per student is payable annually, by semester, or by ten monthly payments through our eStore portal. Tuition is paid per child in the program – siblings in the program do not receive a tuition discount.

Round Rock ISD is required to confirm eligibility before charging the full-rate tuition. Monthly tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year will be determined as follows:

• Children who do not meet the TEA eligibility criteria will have a monthly rate of $640.
• Children that meet at least one of the TEA eligibility criteria will have a monthly rate of $200.
• A nonrefundable $100 deposit payment is due on the day of registration through eStore per child. This deposit will go towards the first month’s tuition.
• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact eStore portal to update any payment information if necessary.
• In the event that a parent chooses to discontinue enrollment in the prekindergarten program, written notice must be turned in to the campus registrar one month in advance to avoid additional fees.
• Parents are responsible for a full month of tuition even if the child attends part of the month. If the child attends at least one day in the month for which tuition has been paid and then is withdrawn, the family will not be reimbursed. Parents, who opt to drop out of the program mid-year, and wish to reenter the program later in the year will be considered as a new applicant in the waitlist process if they seek to reapply for the program. The Early Childhood Department will maintain a waitlist of interested families throughout the year based on timestamp on PreK3 Eligibility & Tuition-based interest screener. FORM CLOSED for the 2023-2024 school year.

If at any time, the child is withdrawn from the tuition-based PreK3 program, the District will determine how much tuition has already been paid in advance and if the District needs to collect the remaining dues or provide a reimbursement if tuition has been overpaid. Any outstanding fees owed or refunds to be issued will be processed by eStore portal.

Parents that cannot meet the time requirements of the PreK3 classroom may be subject to District truancy consequences. Tuition-based PreK3 students that are picked up late (after 3 p.m.) more than 10 times will be brought to a review committee and removal from the program may be recommended.

Round Rock ISD does not give child care receipts for tuition for students participating in the tuition-based PreK3 program. Tax credits may be available and parents should consult with a qualified tax professional.

How to Enroll:

1. PreK3 programs are for children who are three years old on or before September 1 of the school year considered, live in the District, and meet at least one criteria for entry established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The monthly tuition fee for students who meet at least one criteria for entry established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is $200.
2. Children that do not meet any of the TEA eligibility criteria will have a monthly rate of  $640.
3. Register your student through the District enrollment portal. 2023-2024 PROGRAM IS FULL. Enrollment for 2024-2025 opens in Spring 2024.
4. Upload documents for qualifying students with TEA eligible adjusted tuition.
   a. Parents/guardians will be asked to upload required documentation, including student’s certified birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residence within the school district boundaries, and the student’s Social Security Card (if available) and/or
   b. proof of Income: Most recent pay stub or unemployment statement, worker’s compensation, disability payment, or no income statement, or
   c. SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid Benefits: Most recent proof of benefits to include effective dates, case number, and child’s name, or
   d. Military Service: Statement of Service, Letter from Veterans Affairs stating eligibility for disability or Letter from Commanding Officer. Do NOT upload copies of Department of Defense identification, or
   e. Foster Care: DFPS Verification Letter of PreK Eligibility or other foster care documentation, or
   f. Star of Texas Award: Certificate or Letter from Governor or state representative.
   g. If a child is language qualifying our language assessment team will contact students’ families to set language assessment appointments.
5. Upload documents for full tuition bases students
   a. Parents/guardians will be asked to upload required enrollment documents, including the student’s certified birth certificate, immunization records, proof of income and proof of residence within the school district boundaries, and the student’s Social Security Card (if available).
6. Pay the $100 non refundable enrollment fee through the eStore portal.
7. Our PreK team may request additional supporting documents if necessary.
8. After completing and submitting the online registration, the campus registrar reviews documents, finalizes eligibility, and notifies families.

Student Eligibility

Students can qualify for Round Rock ISD early childhood education services when they meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) student eligibility criteria:

1. is limited in the ability to speak and/or comprehend the English language, or
2. is eligible for free or reduced lunch based on the family’s income; or
3. is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 1143a ; or
4. is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority; or
5. is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty; or
6. is or has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code.
7. is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as:
   a. peace officer under Section 3106.002, Government Code;
   b. a firefighter under Section 3106.003, Government Code; or
   c. an emergency medical first responder under Section 3106.004, Government Code.
   d.  A child eligible for enrollment under item 4 or 5 above remains eligible if the child’s parent leaves the armed forces or is no longer on active duty after the child begins prekindergarten.

On Campus PreK3 Program Guidelines

Round Rock ISD aims to provide 3 year old students (and their families) a comprehensive and cohesive play-based, early childhood program focused on developing oral language and social emotional skills. Once accepted into the program, parents/guardians will be required to complete the enrollment documents listed above. Students who have missing or incomplete paperwork shall not be allowed to enter the program. The family is expected to bring the child to school and follow the Round Rock ISD attendance policy.

• PreK3 classrooms are capped at 20 students.
• Classrooms are staffed by a certified Early Childhood Education teacher and an educational assistant.
• The program is available during the Round Rock ISD student calendar following the elementary schedule for holidays and early release days.
• We understand that some students may experience setbacks with potty training with changes to school or routines. If at any time, independent toileting skills become a concern, the teacher will notify and discuss a plan with parents.
• Parents may elect to purchase school meals or send a breakfast, lunch, and/or snack. It will be the responsibility of parents of children on special diets to provide the child’s meals and snacks.  Notify Food Services if your child has a  medically diagnosed food allergy.
• Daily rest time includes quiet independent resting for each child and/or quiet independent activities should the child not fall asleep. In order to meet the developmentally appropriate needs of children in PreK3, daily rest time will continue throughout the school year.
• Transportation is not provided – parents are responsible for transportation to and from school.
• Children may be dropped off no earlier than 7:20 a.m. and no later than 7:40 a.m. (during normal school days), and must be picked up by an adult no later than 2:55 p.m.
• Parents must follow campus procedures for picking up and/or dropping off a child during normal school hours.
• In the event of inclement weather, staff will follow District procedures and guidance. For late starts, opening hours will be when elementary teachers and staff are expected to report to campus. In the event that school has to close early due to weather, parents will be notified of when students need to be picked up. No refunds will be issued for school closures due to inclement weather.
• If a family wishes to keep their child at the same campus for PreK4, they must complete a transfer application. If the campus is closed to transfers, the child will return to their home zoned campus and follow the feeder pattern for PreK4.

Questions about the on campus full day PreK program should be directed to the Round Rock ISD Early Childhood department.

Round Rock ISD Pre-K3 Partnership with United Way

Round Rock ISD is proud to partner with United Way of Greater Austin to offer high-quality early childhood instruction at local Child Care Centers that are 3 and 4 star Texas Rising Star certified. Round Rock ISD aims to provide 3 year old students (and their families) a comprehensive and cohesive play-based, early childhood program focused on developing oral language and social emotional skills. Through this partnership child care centers will receive funding to support additional resources to help improve and sustain quality services for children, additional professional learning opportunities, and improve teacher recruitment efforts. Students, as part of this partnership, will co-enroll at both in Round Rock ISD and the center.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten class, a child must be at least three years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a 3-year-old program is available) or four years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

• unable to speak and comprehend the English language
• is educationally disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the national school lunch program… guidelines about NSLP eligibility can be found in sections 4 and 6 of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s
• is homeless, as defined by 42 USC, §11434a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child’s guardian or other person having lawful control of the child
• is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority
• is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
• is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care) following an adversary hearing held as provided by Family Code §262.201 or has been in foster care in another state or territory, but currently lives in Texas
• is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as:
  • a peace officer under Texas Government Code §3106.002
  • a firefighter under Texas Government Code §3106.003
  • an emergency medical first responder under Texas Government Code §3106.004

Proof of income is required when enrolling a student in PreK3. Tuition-rate for PreK3 will be based on gross household income. You may qualify for subsidized child care based on household income. Apply for subsidized child care through Workforce Solutions.

Pre-K3 fall enrollment for Shoreline Learning Center and Small World Preschool is open. Complete the PreK3 United Way Formal Partner Interest Survey to get started.

For information about enrollment, contact Madison Mattise.

PreK3 Child Care Facility Locations

Shoreline Learning Center
Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
PreK3 partnership program is 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. following the Round Rock ISD calendar, but full day care is provided before and after from 7 am – 6 pm and on Round Rock ISD holidays when we are open. Please check with the center on their inclement weather policy.

Tuition: $710 monthly (or Child Care Services parent fee)
Registration fee: $200

Small World Preschool
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.* Please confirm with the center their operating days, before or after hour care, and inclement weather policy.

Tuition: $550 monthly (or Child Care Services parent fee)
Registration fee: $150
School Supply fee: $60
*an additional fee of $50 will be charged for full day care per day based on availability.

Emerson Academy 
Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuition 3 years $1,128 without child care subsidy. If enrolled in the Pre-K 3 program, $564 for before and after pre-k care. Registration Fee: $150

Hilltop Children’s Center
Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Half day is $700 (+ optional $45 for meals) and full day is $1005 (+ optional $65 for meals).
We are not on State Food Program plan.
One time $150 registration fee. $90 Annual Supply fee

Complete the PreK3 United Way Formal Partner Interest Survey to get started.