Pre-Kindergarten

On My Way
to Pre-K

Registration begins April 1, 2024


 

Why Pre-K at Northside ISD?

Student Benefits

  • Twice as likely to be kinder-ready
  • More likely to graduate from high school
  • Less likely to be at-risk
  • Social and emotional development
  • Early literacy skills
  • Skilled and qualified educators certified in early childhood
Qualifying Areas
  1. Language other than English
  2. Educationally Disadvantaged
  3. Homeless
  4. Military
  5. Foster Care
  6. Star of Texas Award
Required Documents

Please upload the following documents during the online registration process to help establish qualifications. If you have questions, please contact us at nisdpk_information@nisd.net.

  • Student’s birth certificate
  • Proof of Address - current electric, water, or cable bill that shows home service address
  • Immunization Records
  • Photo ID of Parent
  • Social Security Card - Optional

Discover if you qualify

Currently, NISD is only registering Pre-K students who meet the qualifications for the Pre-K program.

A student may qualify for Pre-K if they are unable to speak and comprehend the English Language. To see if your child would qualify, please begin by completing the online registration. Visit the campus to receive student’s ID # and call NISD Student Placement Office for an appointment for child to be tested.

Students automatically qualify if they are educationally disadvantaged (which means a student is eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program). To see if your child qualifies under this area, please bring a letter/paperwork that shows the child receives SNAP/TANF benefits. If the child does not have SNAP/TANF benefits, parents/guardians can take the last two pay statements for all wage earners in the household with them to the appointment at the school for calculations to be done and see if a child will qualify as educationally disadvantaged.

Students may also qualify if they receive Medicaid benefits. Parents/guardians need to provide an insurance card or letter showing that child qualifies for “Medicaid Free” or Medicaid Reduced” benefits.

Both SNAP/TANF and Medicaid paperwork must also have dates of enrollment current to the start of school.

Students qualify for Pre-K is they are homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 1143a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or their child’s guardian or other person having lawful control of the child. In NISD this is verified via the NISD Office of Connections.

Students qualify for Pre-K if a parent/guardian is 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 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. Proof of these items would need to be presented to the campus during the registration/qualification meeting. Military ID and/or paperwork showing active duty is required.

A child is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care) following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 263.202, Family Code. Paperwork to verify this information will need to be provided for registration.

A student qualifies if they are a child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as: a peace officer under Section 3106.002, Government Code; a firefighter under Section 3106.003, Government Code; or an emergency medical first responder under Section 3106.004, Government Code.

Paperwork that shows proof of this award, or verification through the online state of Texas system is required to qualify.

What School Do I Attend?

Please visit NISD’s Boundary and Buses site to determine your home campus.

Connecting with Pre-K

Ready to start your child's exciting journey at Northside's full-day Pre-K program? Share your information, and let's connect to answer any questions, provide more details, and guide you through the enrollment process.

Pre-K Family Engagement Plan

Northside ISD established a Family Engagement Plan, ensuring families are empowered to actively participate in their children's education.

Questions?

At this time, we are opening pre-registration for qualifying students on April 1st. In the coming months, we will reevaluate the offering for a tuition based full day PreKinder program at some campuses and the number of spaces available for students.

Qualifying Students:

  • 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024 (cannot already be 5, and is not provided to 3 years old)
  • Educationally Disadvantaged (Income Eligible) or
  • Unable to speak or comprehend the English language or
  • Homeless or
  • Under the care of DPS/ Foster care or
  • The child of an active duty member of the US Armed Forces or
  • The child of a family member that was killed or injured during active military duty or
  • Is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award

What are the benefits of a Full Day PreK program?

It is a high quality program with a certified teacher and an Instructional Assistant in each classroom. Our staff receive professional development in early literacy and the ten domains per the TEA PreK Guidelines.

The schedule includes time for math, literacy, science, social studies, recess, music & movement, snack and rest time.

View Sample Schedule

2024 - 2025 Early Childhood Program

Full Day Early Childhood Sample Schedules
(ECSE (self-contained), Pre-K (self-contained), ECSE/Pre-K (Collaboration)
 

7:45 - 8:05Greeting Time
8:00 - 8:20Small Group Time (Literacy)
8:20 - 9:20Work Time
9:20 - 9:35Large Group (Literacy)
9:35 - 9:50Small Group (Math)
9:50 - 10:05Large Group (Math)
10:05 - 10:30Outside Time
10:30 - 11:00Lunch
11:00 - 11:15Large Group (Music and Movement)
11:15 - 11:30Read Aloud
11:30 - 11:45Small Group (Science, SS)
11:45 - 12:45Rest Time
12:45 - 1:00Snack
1:00 - 1:15Large Group (Social Emotional)
1:15 - 1:30Small Group (Writing)
1:30 - 2:30Work Time
2:30 - 2:50Outside Time
2:50 - 3:05Read Aloud
3:05 - 3:10Closing Circle

What is the ratio of adults to children in the classroom? And how many students will be in the classroom? 

Ratio is 1:11 with 22 students in the classroom

What are the daily hours of the PreK program and does it follow the standard NISD Calendar?

The hours are the same as the regular elementary school day - 7:45am-2:55pm and follows the NISD school year calendar.  The NISD calendar can be found at https://www.nisd.net/schools/calendars

 

How late can I pick up my child? Is After School Care provided?

If your child is not enrolled in extended after-school care, you will need to pick up your child at regular dismissal time which is 2: 55pm. 

Learning Tree:  (Learning Tree is an after school care program for NISD.)

Qualifying Students:

  • Register for Learning Tree by calling 210-397-8108 or emailing learning.tree@nisd.net
  • Scholarships are available for qualifying students.
  • Pick up required by 6:30 pm
  • Cost for late pick ups

Will transportation be provided for my PreK child if my child attends a campus within my zoned boundary? 

Any enrolled student meeting the criteria for transportation will receive bus service.  https://www.nisd.net/schools/buses

 

How can I find out what time the bus will be picking up and dropping off my child?

Transportation Dept. will make those plans and contact families as the school year approaches.

Who do I contact for more information and additional questions?

Please contact us at NISDPK_Information@nisd.net to learn more.

Contact Information

For additional information, please email nisdpk_information@nisd.net

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