Pre-Kindergarten Eligibility Information
Below are the ways families can qualify for the Pre-Kindergarten program according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website:
Statute: TEC §29.153 (b)
Resources: Student Attendance and Accounting Handbook (SAAH), Section 7.2 & 3.5
To be eligible for enrollment in a free pre-kindergarten class, a child must be at least three years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a 3-year-old program is available) or 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 or has been in foster care in another state or territory, but currently lives in Texas
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
For the student to be eligible, the parent must have been deemed eligible for the Star of Texas Award between 2004 and the current year of the awards ceremony.
NOTE:
Huntsville ISD does NOT operate a 3-year old program as referenced above, so the information only applies to 4-year olds who are enrolling.