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Last Update: 03/31/2009

Basic Principles of Pre-K

Voluntary –
Parents, communities and school districts can decide locally whether they want and need high quality Pre-K classrooms.
Working for Access For All –
Pre-K in Tennessee is accessible to all 4-year olds, with an emphasis on at-risk students and high priority communities.
Maintain Existing High Standards –
Keep the high quality standards already in place regarding small class size, curriculum requirements and certified teachers.
Applying to Match State Dollars –
The local school district serves as the applicant for matching state funds. Local school districts are accountable for matching state dollars based on their BEP formula state/local match requirement. Local school districts have the ability to use federal funds, private dollars or in-kind resources as part of their local match.
Flexible Local Partnerships –
Communities, through their local school districts, have the ability to contract and partner with non-school providers, i.e., non–profit, for–profit and local Head Start programs.
Community Coordination and Planning –
Each school district creates and facilitates a community “Pre-K Advisory Council” which provides formal input into the application and plan to expand pre-K classrooms. Representation must include, but is not be limited to, parents, teachers, non-school providers, Head Start, the business community and local government leaders.
Office of Early Learning –
A strong, centralized office monitors the programs for accountability; oversee the application process; consult with local