Pre-K FAQs


Who qualifies for free Pre-K?

To be eligible for enrollment in a free 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 Administrators Reference Manual).
  • 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
  • Is the child of a person employed as a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school district that offers a prekindergarten class under this section.



What documents are required for registration?

Proof of Identification

  • Birth certificate
  • Baptismal Record
  • Verification of Birth Facts
  • Passport

 

Proof of Residency

  • Household Bills: Electric, Water, Gas, Cell Phone/Internet
  • Lease
  • Registrations:
  • Voter registration
  • Car registration

 

Required Records

  • SSC Receipt
  • Social Security Card
  • Document(s) proving eligibility for enrollment (e.g., proof of income eligibility, McKinney-Vento form, etc.)



How do I apply?
https://responsiveed.schoolmint.com/




How can I get a copy of my child's birth certificate?

If your child was born in Texas, you can request a certified copy of their birth certificate through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics. Parents are considered immediate family members and may request a certified copy, provided they meet the identification and other requirements. Birth certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at an authorized vital records office. Please visit the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics website for information on ordering requirements, fees, and available locations.



What is a Pre-K Partner site and where are they located?
A Pre-K Partner site is a quality child care facility that has partnered with ResponsiveEd Texas to provide high quality education to your youngest scholars. We have campuses located throughout the state of Texas, providing families with a variety of locations to choose from.



What are the benefits of the program?

Each site offers a High Quality program and has agreed to:

  • Use a curriculum aligned with the Pre-kindergarten Guidelines
  • Increase prekindergarten teacher training and/or qualifications
  • Implement student progress monitoring
  • Provide kindergarten readiness results
  • Develop quality family engagement plans



What is the CIRCLE Pre-K Assessment?
Pre-kindergarten students are administered the CIRCLE Pre-K Assessment. CIRCLE is a technology-driven tool that enables teachers to assess a child’s progress in several skills areas (literacy, math, social-emotional, and early writing). Results from this assessment allow teachers to create focused lessons that target each student’s area of greatest need. The CIRCLE Progress Monitoring System is aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework.



Is transportation available?
At this time, our programs do not offer transportation services. Transportation to and from the campus is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. We understand that transportation is an important factor when considering enrollment, and we encourage families to plan accordingly when selecting a campus.