Early Childhood spring roundup underway

Tuesday, February 5, 2019
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The Jefferson Davis Early Childhood Coordinated Enrollment for children ages six weeks to 4 years old begins today.

Jeff Davis public schools will hold annual pre-K roundup registration for the 2019-20 academic year at each community school site.

In order for children to attend public pre-K, they need to be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2019. The school district has Universal pre-K in which all 4-year-olds are served. Save the Children Head Start will also be conducting its roundup in collaboration at each of the parish school sites. Brite Beginnings of Jennings, a Type III Child Care Center, accepts infants through 3-year-olds.

The 2019-20 registration for all sites is ongoing throughout the year but the district encourages parents to register during the following spring roundup dates. If unable to attend your local roundup, please contact the school or site for information about registration. Registration dates for each school include Lacassine High, 9-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6; Fenton Elementary, 8-10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12; Hathaway High, 8:30-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15; James Ward Elementary, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21; Elton Elementary, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22; and Lake Arthur Elementary, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26. Registration at Welsh Elementary is underway today from 8 a.m. to noon. Meanwhile, registration is ongoing at Brite Beginnings and at the Elton and Jennings sites of Save the Children Head Start.

The following state-required documentations for public pre-K are necessary at the time of registration:

• SNAP/food stamps. Information must include the child’s name and valid effective dates.

• Two consecutive check stubs for each parent or caregiver in the household for the current year (within two months from the date of filling out the application). If a check stub is not available, an official letter from your employer stating your place of employment, hourly rate of pay and average number of hours worked per week will be accepted.

• A statement from the Social Security Administration verifying that the child listed on the application is a recipient of SSI benefits, which must be accompanied by two current check stubs.

• Current foster care placement agreement from DCFS

• Parents who are homeless or unemployed must submit a letter of support and income documentation from support source.

• Other forms of proof of income may be subject to review. Tax documentation is allowable only if no other form of income verification documentation exists.

Proof of Residence (one of the following) — Louisiana driver’s license of parent or guardian; state issued ID card; or current utility bill with parent/guardian’s name and address.

The child’s birth certificate, Social Security card and current immunization record are also required.

All students will be enrolled in public pre-K once all documentation is provided and verified by the school.

Documents required for Save the Children Head Start in both Jennings and Elton include the child’s official birth certificate; insurance/medical card; immunization record; proof of family income; and proof of address.

Documents required for Brite Beginnings Child Care of Jennings include child’s official birth certificate, a parent or guardian’s driver’s license or valid photo ID and proof of family income if applying for CCAP assistance.

All children with disabilities can be enrolled at any of the above sites. Also, Early Steps offers early intervention services and support for children ages birth to 3 years old. For information, call (337) 359-8748. Contact Pupil Appraisal Services at (337) 824-1357 for children ages 3 years and older.

Visit the Jeff Davis Parish Schools website for more information at www.jeffersondavis.org and choose Birth to 5 under the “Parents” heading. Applications can be submitted electronically and a print version of the application is available at numerous locations throughout the parish, as well as on the website. Remember that the required information must still be provided to the school or site at the time of registration.

For information about enrolling a child in public pre-K, please call the school that your child will be attending. Children must adhere to attendance guidelines and must live within the school zone. For other questions about the Early Childhood Community Network, call Pam Miller, JDP Early Childhood Coordinator at (337) 824-1834.

For more information on Save the Children Head Start, contact Johnnie Belle Chavis at (337) 616-9556 or at jchavis@savechildren.org.

For Brite Beginnings Child Care, contact Stephanie Fontenot at (337) 824-1234 or at steph70546@yahoo.com.