Prekindergarten / Head Start Information

On enrollment in Head Start & Prekindergarten, a child must attend school and is subject to compulsory school attendance laws.

2024-2025 Pre-K/Headstart Early Registration

APRIL 23, 2024  from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

APRIL 24, 2024 from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Goliad ISD Administration Bldg – School Board Meeting Room

Eligibility Overview:

Eligible children must be four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year and meet one or more of the following qualifications:

• Is unable to speak and comprehend the English language
• Is Educationally Disadvantaged: is eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program, is eligible for SNAP/TANF, State Medicaid program is a participant in Head Start or Even Start, or is considered a migrant child.
• Is identified as homeless as defined by 42 USC, §11434a
• Is a child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including active duty uniformed members of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Texas National Guard.
• Is the child of a member, including the state military forces or a reserved component of the armed forces, who is injured or killed while on active duty or missing in action.
• Has been in foster care in Texas or in another state or territory, if the child resides in the state of Texas
• Is a dependent of an eligible Star of Texas Award: Peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical first responder
• If the student was eligible to enroll for pre-K in the previous school year but did not attend or has yet to enroll in Kindergarten or if the child was eligible for a pre-K 3 program in the prior school year

Documentation:

All items required at registration.

• Proof of qualifying factor (proof of income, military status, etc.)
• Certified Copy/Official Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Custody or guardianship documents relating to the student
• Proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement showing the physical address of parent or guardian)
• Immunization/shot records
• Valid photo identification of parent or guardian

Pre-Qualification Application for the Goliad Elementary Pre-Kinder / Head Start programs.

STEP 1:  2024 – 2025 Pre-Qualification Application (Download and return to GISD Elementary Registrar)

STEP 2:  2024 – 2025 Head Start Application (Complete Online)

STEP 3:  2024 – 2025 Goliad ISD Enrollment (complete with *approval letter from PK/HeadStart)

 NOTE:  Applications will be reviewed and determination of *approval in the Early Education Programs will be made in July.  Contact will be made to parents/guardians of students who qualify to complete enrollment in the Goliad ISD Early Ed program.  Thank you.

Eligibility FAQ:

Why isn't my child eligible for prekindergarten?
The Texas Legislature determines eligibility requirements for free, public prekindergarten in Texas. When the Texas legislature established the prekindergarten program the intent was, and still is, to provide early learning experiences to students who are most at risk for school failure. Therefore, the eligibility is limited. The legislature believed that a high-quality prekindergarten program could mitigate the impact of the at-risk characteristics, thereby assisting these students to become school ready when they enter kindergarten.

Does my child have to go to prekindergarten if he or she is eligible?
No. Prekindergarten is not mandatory. However, on enrollment in prekindergarten, a child must attend school. All students are subject to compulsory school attendance rules while they are enrolled in school. If a child has not reached 6 years of age as of September 1 of the current school year, the child may be withdrawn from school without violating compulsory attendance rules. TEC §25.085(c),