3-year-old pre-K launches with Garnet

Two young students shake hands as they enter their first day of 3-year-old prekindergarten Monday, Sept. 15 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, which is hosting the new program offered through Kent County Public Schools.

About 20 3-year-olds had their first day in the classroom this month thanks to Kent County Public Schools' expansion of its prekindergarten program.

The school system has long offered universal all-day pre-K for 4-year-olds. This fall, a Pre-K Expansion Grant from the state opened the door for 3-year-olds to join the program as well.

Among those greeting the students on their first day Monday, Sept. 15 were Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas, Director of Teaching and Learning Gina Jachimowicz and Director of Special Education Dr. Wendy Keen.

Tom Porter, supervisor for accountability and Career and Technical Education for Kent County Public Schools was instrumental in securing grant funding for the new program.

"We are excited to leverage this opportunity to provide early enrichment for families in our community," Porter said. "The expansion of pre-K is a critical part of our commitment to elevating student achievement through early childhood education."

The 3-year-old pre-K program is currently being offered through H.H. Garnet Elementary School.

The 20 available seats filled up quickly when registration opened this summer.

Due to the space limitations at Garnet, Kent County Public Schools partnered with the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown to host 3-year-olds for the first few years. 

The pre-K classes for 4-year-olds continue to be at the Garnet building. 

Kent County Public Schools hopes to add 3-year-old programs at Galena and Rock Hall elementary schools in the future as well.

Discover more about Kent County Public Schools, its programs, students and teachers at www.kent.k12.md.us.