District outlines universal preschool policy, schedules 64 screenings and plans tuition spots for 3‑year‑olds

South Irving Principal Miss Hall (speaker 7) told the Estill County Board of Education that the district operates universal preschool for 4‑year‑olds, schedules regular screenings, and is actively recruiting families for next year.

Miss Hall said there are 64 screenings scheduled over the next three weeks and 48 screenings on the calendar for the next day; each screening lasts roughly an hour. She explained 4‑year‑old eligibility is determined by age (must be 4 by Aug. 1) and that, in this district, the board funds preschool spots for four‑year‑olds who do not qualify for income‑based state assistance. Miss Hall said 3‑year‑old entry is limited to students with a qualifying disability or through First Steps, or via limited tuition spots if available.

On outreach, Miss Hall described a recruitment day where staff distributed flyers and yard signs with QR codes linking to applications; she said the district plans a "day in the life of preschool" video to show families what preschool looks like. She described possible tuition spots for three‑year‑olds at "$25 a day, four days a week" (also described elsewhere in the discussion as roughly $100 per week). The transcript did not list the final number of tuition spots or the exact funding breakdown for universal slots beyond the board's general support.

Miss Hall and district staff said families with questions can get help completing the application at the school, and that the district will continue screenings through July with dates to be posted. The board did not take separate action on preschool funding at this meeting but heard the update as part of principal reports.