Full-Day Pre-K at YISD

The Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) is now offering a new full-day pre-kindergarten program free of charge at select campuses for qualified El Paso-area families for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Ysleta ISD is offering full-day pre-K program, thanks to the passage of House Bill 3, which was signed into law in June and provides state funding for full-day pre-K programs for families who meet certain criteria.

Since HB3 was signed into law, YISD officials have worked promptly and diligently to make the full-day program available at select campuses to families this upcoming school year. As a result, parents can now begin registering for full-day pre-K at participating YISD schools.

The Program

Ysleta ISD's Pre-K program is designed to promote children’s knowledge and skills in all developmental areas— cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and aesthetic—and to establish a foundation for lifelong learning.

The prekindergarten program reflects the belief that children are active learners. They build meaning and understanding through full participation in their learning environments. This child-centered program combines high expectations for each child with respect for individual development.

Learning Centers

Prekindergarten uses the center approach to learning. Centers are areas with educational materials that provide opportunities for different types of learning during Work Time.

Learning Centers are pre-planned by the teacher to support the skills that are previously taught. A writing component is embedded within each center.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for enrollment in a free prekindergarten class, a child must be at least four years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

unable to speak and comprehend the English language

is educationally disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the national school lunch program... guidelines about NSLP eligibility can be found in sections 4 and 6 of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Administrators Reference Manual)

is homeless, as defined by 42 USC, §11434a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child's guardian or other person having lawful control of the child

is the child of an active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority

is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty

is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care) following an adversary hearing held as provided by Family Code §262.201

is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as:

a peace officer under Texas Government Code §3106.002,

a firefighter under Texas Government Code §3106.003

an emergency medical first responder under Texas Government Code §3106.004