Madison County Schools outlines Developmental Preschool eligibility, enrollment and locations
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Summary
Madison County Schools described its blended Developmental Preschool program for children with IEPs and typical peers, explained age and residency eligibility, listed required enrollment documents and school sites, and said typical-peer enrollment opens in January on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jenny McAllister, special education preschool resource specialist for Madison County Schools, provided a step-by-step overview of the district's Developmental Preschool and how families can enroll.
The district offers two options: a full‑time Developmental Pre‑K 4 for children who are 4 years old on or before September 1, and a three‑hour‑per‑week Developmental Pre‑K 3 for children who are 3 years old on or before September 1. “The developmental preschool program is a blended preschool program that serves students with disabilities who have a specialized IEP and also serves those who are typical peers,” McAllister said.
Families seeking a slot as a typical peer should complete a new student PowerSchool enrollment on the Madison County School System website; typical‑peer enrollment opens in January and slots are filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis after all enrollment requirements are completed. McAllister said, “Enrollment is not complete until all required documents are uploaded into PowerSchool.”
Required documents listed by the district include the child’s birth certificate, the Alabama certificate of immunization, a current utility bill, secondary proof of residence and the custodial parent’s photo identification. McAllister emphasized that custodial parents must reside within a Madison County school zone and that residency must be verified by the school prior to selection into the program.
Students already served with IEPs through the district’s Pre‑K 3 PALS program who intend to enroll in Pre‑K 4 must complete the district’s online enrollment for the current school year; PALS teachers will send information in January. Once a typical‑peer slot is assigned, parents will be notified by email.
The district named the elementary schools offering Developmental Pre‑K 4 as Endeavor, Harvest, Hazel Green, Legacy, Mount Carmel, New Hope and Riverton. Developmental Pre‑K 3 is offered at Endeavor, Hazel Green and Madison County Elementary. McAllister said Pre‑K 4 is a full‑day program Monday through Friday that follows the Madison County Schools calendar; Pre‑K 3 follows the same district calendar and is offered on set days. In the event of school closings, delays or early dismissals, families should follow their elementary school’s schedule.
McAllister also offered guidance for parents preparing typical peers, recommending social‑skill practice, simple school‑readiness play and ensuring children are potty trained. For parents who suspect their child has a disability but who do not yet have an IEP, McAllister directed them to complete the form linked at the bottom of the district page; a member of the special education department will follow up with next steps.
The district encouraged families moving into Madison County with an existing IEP to register as a new student through PowerSchool and to check the box indicating their child has an IEP to alert the special education team and help ensure a smooth transition. McAllister closed by saying the district looks forward to welcoming families to the program in the fall.