Blount County Schools

What Preschool Programs are available through Blount County Schools?
Voluntary PreK and Special Education PreK

What will my student learn in Preschool?

All Tennessee VPK programs provide learning environments that encourage and support learning across all developmental domains.  Each teacher fosters a love of learning as students work toward mastering basic skills that will prepare them for success in kindergarten.

Students with disabilities have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is developed to meet their unique needs and are based on early learning developmental standards.

Voluntary PreK

What are the entrance requirements for Voluntary PreK?
Families must meet income eligibility guidelines similar to free and reduced lunch requirements to participate. Families whose income exceeds the requirements may be considered after September 1 and are welcome to apply.  Student must be four years old by August 15 in order to be in a VPK class.  There is not a VPK class at every elementary school, so you may apply at the school with a VPK class closest to your home.  The Tennessee VPK program is required by state statute to operate 5 days a week with a minimum of 5.5 hours per day.  Students are expected to attend every day.

Where are Voluntary Preschools located?

Additional Voluntary PreK Information

Special Education Preschool

What are the entrance requirements for Special Education Preschool?

Children who are determined to have disabilities under the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are eligible for services from birth to twenty-one years of age.  Preschool children are eligible to receive a free appropriate public education after they turn three.  Services for students with disabilities are determined based on their individual needs.  An IEP (Individual Education Plan) identifies the services, length of time and where a child will receive these services.

Where are Special Education Preschools located?

Is Head Start a program of Blount County Schools?

Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families, according to poverty guidelines published by the federal government.  Head Start is operated by Douglas-Cherokee and can be reached at (865) 982-1141.