Whitehouse Independent School District

PreK/Headstart Handbook

2023-24

Pre-K Eligible Students

Whitehouse ISD offers free Pre-K to eligible 4 year olds based on the TEA Eligibility Criteria. Students must be 4 years old prior to September 1st of the current school year and must reside in the WISD attendance zone.

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Students must meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

1. Unable to speak and comprehend the English language
2. Is Economically disadvantaged (qualifies for the free or reduced lunch program)
3. Is homeless (as defined by 42 United States code (U.S.C. Section 1143a)
4. Is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces
5. Is the child of a member of the armed forces who was injured or killed while serving on active duty (must be active duty the first day of school)
6. Is or has ever been in conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care)
7. Is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award

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Documentation of eligibility is required.

Required Documentation:

• Unable to speak and/or comprehend English- a language assessment is required
• Economically disadvantaged- 1 month of current (within the last 2 months) paystubs, tax return, TANF or SNAP eligibility number
• Homeless- At-Risk Services approval
• Foster Care- Letter from DFPS or CPS
• Military- Military ID, Statement of Service, copy of Death Certificate, copy of Purple Heart Orders, Official Letter from commander Star of Texas Award- Certificate of award

Toileting

Pre-K staff will monitor/supervise all children during restroom time.

Toilet training is a process that varies from age to age and ability to ability. Typically, children are toilet trained between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. Therefore, most children entering the Pre-K program are able to toilet themselves with minimal supervision, including properly wiping. If the child is not fully toilet trained, a toilet training plan will be developed. The plan will be developed in collaboration with the parents/guardians and reflect the level of support necessary for the child to be successful.

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For toileting accidents or non-toilet-trained children:

• Staff will immediately assist a child by providing the child with a change of clothes, wipes and verbal support to “talk” the child through the process of changing clothes, providing assistance as needed.
• Staff will wear gloves during this process. Staff will talk to the child while he/she is changing to help him/her feel safe.
• Staff will place soiled clothing in a plastic bag or place it in an area outside of children’s reach.
• Staff and child must wash hands following all toileting activities.
• If a child needs additional assistance, such as bathing, the parent may be called to assist the child.
• Whenever assisting children with toileting or changing clothes, staff will ensure another staff member is aware and within range to hear the interaction.

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Students should have two pairs of extra clothing in a ziploc baggie with your child’s name clearly marked, on their clothes and baggie, on the first day of school. By working together to establish routines and procedures, we will be able to support your child’s self-help and toileting needs.

Rest/Nap Time

The Pre-K daily schedule includes a down-time. Children this age need time to regain their energy level in order to concentrate on learning. Students are not expected to take a nap, but they will be expected to lie down quietly during the down-time, so that children who are napping can rest.