LBSD heads into second year of Pre-K4 program

Thousands of students filed into schools throughout the Long Beach School District (LBSD) for the first day of the 2023-2024 school year, and, for the first year ever, some kindergarteners returned with a whole year of experience behind them, thanks to the district’s Pre-K4 Early Learning Collaborative, which launched last year.

LBSD Assistant Superintendent Kelleigh Broussard Reynolds says the district’s inaugural Pre-K4 program, funded by a $750,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), was a success.

“Realizing the significance of providing an early childhood education to students, and how that sets them up for later success in life, this was a very important goal for us to pursue here in our community,” Reynolds Broussard says.

“Belonging to a grant-funded Early Learning Collaborative, we are audited, monitored and assessed each year by the MDE; so, our first year in, we’re pleased, extremely proud of the success that we generated,” Reynolds Broussard says. “Our rate of readiness is phenomenal for the students who participated in the Pre-K 4 program for the first year. The data that shows their growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year for kindergarten readiness is outstanding.”

Many students enrolled in the Pre-K4 program are four years old. All students in the program must turn four by September 1 to be eligible.

“For us, the goal is to see at least a ninety-five-point increase for each student [at the end of Pre-K4], and we are thrilled to see that our children are entering kindergarten as emerging and transitional readers, so they’re definitely prepared to be successful in kindergarten,” says Reynolds Broussard.

The Pre-K4 program also is already growing.

“Last year, with it being our first year, we did not maximize the seats that we had to fill. This year, however, is a different story,” Reynolds Broussard says. “This year, so far, we have reached our capacity; however, we still encourage people to take advantage of registering online, because, in the event that any seats become vacant, we will look at those who have registered, and on a first-come, first-serve basis. According to the date of registration, we’ll pull that applicant to fill that seat (should one become vacant), so that we’re constantly keeping all seats filled. It’s important for us to provide that opportunity to our children.”

She says that research has shown children who participate in Pre-K4 programs go into kindergarten, and life itself, with several advantages.

“There’s a very high correlation between the Pre-K4 program and third-grade reading proficiency that later correlates with a much greater success in school and life with decreased rates of drop out, decreased issues with attendance and decreased disciplinary issues, so the earlier that we can get children involved in school and provide them with a solid foundation for learning, those are benefits that they’ll glean for the rest of their lives,” Reynolds Broussard says.

To be eligible for the Pre-K4 program, students must live in the Long Beach School District, be part of a military family in the district or be the dependent of a school district employee.

“As of now, we are charging a nominal fee of $90 weekly to supplement the difference needed to cover the cost of administering the program from our grant reimbursement money received,” Reynolds Broussard says. “This could be alleviated by way of businesses and the community taking advantage of the Early Learning Collaborative Tax Credit, wherein state tax liability can be diverted to stay here locally in order to benefit the children of Long Beach. It’s a 1:1 tax credit. This year, the grant afforded us the opportunity to fill up to one hundred seats.”

To obtain the tax credit form, or more information, email Reynolds Broussard at KelleighReynoldsBroussard@lbsdk12.com, or call the LBSD Central Office at 228-864-1146.

“It’s very, very, very simple to do,” Reynolds Broussard says. “It’s a tax credit, and the money can be used to help kids right here in this district. State taxes are inevitable and have to be paid, so, if you’re able to have a voice where those tax dollars go and where those tax dollars are spent, why would we not take advantage of that on behalf of our children?”