Caroline preschool reports strong family satisfaction, Head Start audit mostly positive

Caroline County Public Schools on June 11 presented a year‑end report for its preschool program, citing enrollment, staffing credentials, family survey results and a Head Start program audit.

Preschool supervisor reported 213 students completed the year (about 70 three‑year‑olds and 143 four‑year‑olds), that the program remained fully staffed during 2024–25 and that 90% of preschool staff planned to return for 2025–26. Among 15 teachers, five held early‑childhood licensure, six were working toward licensure and four were enrolled in the iTeach program; 10 of 15 paraprofessionals completed CDA credentialing.

Family engagement results showed 140 survey responses (out of 213 families) with 83% satisfied with the preschool program and 86% saying their child was excited to attend. The program highlighted partnerships with Wolf Trap (arts residencies), Friends of the Rappahannock (outdoor learning) and the Fitness Dogs nutrition/physical‑activity curriculum, which the presenter said produced assessment gains (for example, a 37% increase in correct answers to a food‑choice question between fall pretest and May posttest).

The Head Start programmatic audit covered 22 subcategories across six areas. The presenter said four of six overarching categories were marked as areas of strong practice, 15 subcategories were compliant and two subcategories were noncompliant: oral/health screenings (some students entered late and missed the 90‑day window) and a fiscal form that required filing a zero property report for fiscal year 2023–24. The presenter said screenings would be scheduled over the summer, the zero‑property report had been submitted and the findings were being resolved.

Board members and the policy council member praised staff outreach and family engagement and asked about hiring timelines for two remaining preschool openings; staff said offers were imminent and training would align with July onboarding.