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More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program
The More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program is a high-quality pre-k program that serves children who are at risk and prepares them for success in school. Pre-kindergarten is a research-proven strategy for school readiness.
Children served by More at Four attend a full school day, full school year program that meets high-quality state standards. The program is community based. It is integrated with other early childhood programs in the community and administered at the county or regional level. Children participating in More at Four may be served in classrooms in the public schools, licensed child care centers or Head Start programs.
The More at Four program is especially beneficial for those children most at risk of school failure. According to independent evaluation findings by the FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, children served by More at Four exhibit substantial growth in key areas including language, literacy, math and social skills.
North Carolina is one of the top two states nationally for state pre-kindergarten quality standards, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, including standards such as teacher education and training, class size, staff-child ratio, and early learning standards. Children's experiences in More at Four are rooted in North Carolina's early learning standards for preschoolers, called Foundations. These standards incorporate the five domains of development and learning fundamental to school readiness: approaches to learning, emotional and social development, health and physical development, language development and communication, and cognitive development. More at Four teachers engage children in active learning with a focus on each domain.
Children in More at Four:
- Learn about letters, colors, shapes and numbers
- Learn to develop positive relationships with peers and teachers
- Listen to stories and learn about books
- Explore math, science, art and music
- Expand language skills
- Develop a positive sense of self and an enthusiasm for learning Explore and play outside daily
More at Four staff value the diversity of children and their families and are responsive to the needs of individual children.
Eligibility
The program serves children who are four years old by August 31, will be entering kindergarten the following year, and are at risk for poor school outcomes. Factors that put children at risk for poor school outcomes include low income, limited English proficiency, identified disability, chronic health condition and developmental or educational need. Children of Active Duty military families are also eligible. Priority is given to eligible children who have not been served in any other preschool or child care program.
FAQ's by Parents:
- What is the purpose of More at Four?
- The purpose of More at Four is to provide high-quality educational experiences in order to enhance kindergarten readiness for four-year-olds who are at risk of school failure. The program is community-based, voluntary, and designed to prepare at-risk four-year-olds in North Carolina for success in school.
- How do I know if my child is eligible for More at Four?
- Children served in a More at Four slot must meeting age requirements (children to be enrolled must be four years of age on or before August 31st in the year served), income eligibility (children with families with annual incomes at or below 75% of the State Median Income (SMI) level are eligible for More at Four services), and service priority criteria (served, underserved and unserved).
- My husband is in the military and is often deployed. We would like to have our son is More at Four, how can I get my child into More at Four?
- A child is eligible for More at Four if at least one parent or legal guardian of this child is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States or the North Carolina National Guard or other state military force, or a Reserve Unit of the armed forces who is ordered to active duty by the proper authority within the last 18 months or expected to be ordered within the next 18 months. A child whose parent or legal guardian has been seriously injured or killed while on active duty is also eligible.
- Where do I enroll my child for More at Four?
- Please call any site of your choice to make an appointment.
- How do I know which More at Four facility to choose?
- You may choose any More at Four site that you may be interested in. Each participating More at Four classroom must be located in a facility that meets the requirements of 4- or 5-star licensed center using the Division of Child Development licensing standards. More at Four classrooms may be placed in 4 or 5 star licensed private for-profit child care centers, not-for-profit child care centers, Head Start programs, and public pre-k programs.
- How much does it cost for my child to attend More at Four?
- Fees may not be charged to any More at Four Program family for services delivered within the regular 6 to 6-1/2 hour school day, which includes but is not limited to classroom materials, and/or cost associated with field trips. Fees may be charged to cover the full/partial cost of meals when children do not qualify for free/reduced priced lunch.
- How long does a More at Four day last?
- More at Four sites must provide a pre-k program for a regular school day (e.g., 6 or 6-1/2 hours) for 10-months (180 instructional days a year) school calendar year. Hours are normally 8:00 am - 2:30 pm, but may vary from site to site.
- Is transportation available for my child?
- Transportation is available at some sites. Please contact your site to see if it is available to you.
- What curriculum will my child follow during More at Four?
- Curricula that have been reviewed and will be used in The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, fourth edition, 2002.
- What is the staff-to-child ratios and class size of More at Four?
- A More at Four program classroom will not exceed a maximum staff-to-child ratio of 1 to 9 with a maximum class size of 18 children. With one teacher and one assistant teacher per classroom.
- What are the More at Four staff credentials?
- Principals - Principal licensure is required.
- Directors - North Carolina Early Childhood Administrative Credential (NCECAC) Level III
- Lead Teacher - All teachers will hold Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) or preschool Add-on licensure.
- Teacher Assistant - All assistants will hold a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or an Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) associate degree
I have to work past the time that More at Four day ends, what services are available to me?
- Most sites have a before and after-school program that will enable to the child to stay on site. Before and after-school program fees range from $45 - $65 per week pending on the site.
Do I have to pack a breakfast/lunch for my child?
- More at Four sites will provide breakfast and/or snacks and lunch meeting USDA requirements during the regular school day. Fees may be charged to cover the full/partial cost of meals when children do not qualify for free/reduced priced lunch.
Are religious activities allowed in More at Four?
Staff activities or communications which promote religious believes or activities cannot be directed towards More at Four participants. This includes but is not limited to worship services, teacher-led prayer, or religious instruction.
Will my child take naps or have rest time?
More at Four programs are encouraged to use developmentally appropriate practices for rest times, based on the child's health and physical needs and the length of the school day.
Do I need to buy school supplies for my child?
No, all school supplies will be provided by More at Four.
My child has special needs and is not potty trained; will More at Four accept him as a student?
Yes, More at Four programs are encouraged to be inclusive. The value of inclusive settings ensures that each child's strengths, unique learning needs, and abilities are addressed. More at Four will collaborate in the development and implementation of a child's IEP (Individualized Education Program).
Can I volunteer my time with my child's class?
Family involvement is critical to the success of children during the pre-kindergarten and in subsequent years. More at Four program provides meaningful opportunities for parents and families that build trusting relationships and foster a bond between those in involved in the education of the More at Four child. Contact your child's teacher to see when you can volunteer.
For more information please contact
Ar-Nita Davis
Program Development Manager
860-2277 x 2270
adavis@ccpfc.org
or
Ming Jones
More at Four Lead Administrative Assistant
860-2277 x 2271
mjones@ccpfc.org
To access the More at Four Program Parent Line
Call 910-826-6444
