Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-K programs meet the needs of children who are considered “at-risk” based on established criteria.  Since each program can only serve 20 students, we unfortunately are not able to serve all children who are screened. A list is created, from the most at-risk child to the least at-risk child both within the district and within attendance lines. We serve children who qualify based on documented family income of 185 percent or less of federal poverty or Medicaid eligibility.  Screening results are then used to serve those most in need of the program and a waiting list is generated if slots fill.  Our process is outlined below.  Please email prekreg@pickens.k12.sc.us if you have any questions.

Pre-Kindergarten Screening Process:

1. Parent/guardian should complete the online Preschool Interest Form for 3K & 4K by clicking here

   https://forms.gle/GqV7VZhKZVLvkAT39

2. Parents should be prepared to upload all required documents (see the section below).

3. After completing the interest form, all required documents will be reviewed. Once documents are verified, parents will receive information to sign up for a screening appointment at their zoned school.

4. We will complete a DIAL-4 test at the screening appointment.  The DIAL-4 tests a child’s motor skills (skipping, jumping, cutting, writing), conceptual skills (knowledge of colors, counting), and language skills (knowledge of letters and words, ability to solve problems). In addition, the Parent and Teacher Questionnaires measure a child’s self-help skills (dressing, feeding, bathing) and social-emotional skills (getting along with others, staying on task).

5. In late spring, parents will receive a letter informing them if their child (a) qualifies and will be enrolled, (b) has been placed on a waiting list, or (c) does not qualify.

6. When Pre-K students move during the school year, qualified students on waiting lists are offered the vacated spot.  Also, qualified Pre-K students on the waiting list can attend schools with vacancies outside their attendance area if parents can provide transportation.

7. All qualifying PreK students must provide all required enrollment documentation by the first day of school.  If documentation is not provided, the reserved spot may be given to the next child on the waiting list. 

Enrollment is limited, so please register online as soon as possible!  Children of district employees who register must be screened and qualify for the program to attend.

Enrollment Age

• 3K Registration: A child who is three years old on or before September 1 may register for three-year-old kindergarten; however, the child must qualify for the program.   Each student is screened; only qualified students are accepted into the program.

  • Our district has 3K programs in the following areas of the district:

    • Daniel Area: Six Mile Elementary

    • Easley area: Crosswell Elementary, East End Elementary 

    • Liberty area: Liberty Primary School

    • Pickens area: Dacusville Elementary, Hagood Elementary

  • Each student is screened; only qualified students are accepted into the program

• 4K Registration: A child who is four years old on or before September 1 may register for four-year-old kindergarten; however, the child must qualify for the program. 

  • Each student is screened; only qualified students are accepted into the program.

• 5K Registration: A child who is five years old on or before September 1 can register for five-year-old kindergarten. For more information please visit our Registration page here: SDPC Registration and Enrollment

Required Documents & Proof of Residence

To enroll in SDPC, a student must reside in Pickens County with his or her parent or legal guardian and provide the following four required documents:

1. A copy of the student's state-issued birth certificate must be provided to the school at the time of enrollment. Hospital birth reports are not acceptable. If necessary, duplicate birth certificates can be obtained from local county health departments or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Vital Records and Public Health Statistics Division at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201 or from a similar agency in the state of the child's birth.

2. A valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization must be presented for all students prior to their enrollment. 

3. Proof of Pickens County residence – Acceptable proof is a current electricity, gas, water or cable/satellite bill in the parent/guardian’s name. The bill must show the service address. If a bill in the parent/guardian’s name is not available, an Affidavit of Residence is required. An affidavit can be done at the screening appointment. Note - A principal may also require proof to verify the student's residence at any time.

4. Family Income Eligibility - must be shown for enrollment: an annual family income of 185 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines as promulgated annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Or Medicaid eligibility. Acceptable forms of verification include the following: A completed free and reduced lunch form with verification of family income, or a copy of current Medicaid card. Verification of family income may include pay stubs, tax returns, or W-2 forms.

   • NOTE: a new/additional Free and Reduced meal application must be completed in July 2023 for the 2023-24 School Year. Any applications received prior will not be processed.

These documents should be uploaded with your interest form. Once documents are verified, parents will receive information to sign up for a screening appointment at their zoned school and complete steps to pre-register in the Registration Gateway. Note - Your Child must qualify and be accepted into the program to attend the upcoming school year. These steps must be completed to determine eligibility and acceptance.

School Choice

Parents/Guardians may apply for student admission to a school outside their area of residence.  Applications for school choice will be available at your screening appointment.  Applications should be submitted no later than April 15, 2023.

1. Parents of a 4K child should complete an application at the screening appointment.  The application will be processed by the district and requesting school principal for approval by the superintendent or his/her designee.  Due to the state process for 4K programs, notifications for any choice requests are completed when program requirements to seat zoned students have been met.  We ask that you please refrain from calling the school or district to find out about acceptance.  Updates will be provided to parents from late spring through the start of the school year.   

2. School Choice Acceptance:

   • Students must qualify based on documented family income of 185 percent or less of federal poverty or Medicaid eligibility.

   • After qualifying, scores are prioritized based on need.

   • 4K openings are filled in the following order:

     • 1st Priority- Students who are zoned for the school

     • 2nd Priority- If the zoned 4K program is full, students who qualify may be given options to openings at other sites 

     • 3rd Priority- Students who have requested school choice are then considered for remaining openings 

Free & Reduced Meals

Federal law requires that each family have access for completing a free and reduced meal application.  Applications will be available online for the 2022-2024 school year at www.sdpcnutrition.com in late July, 2023.   After the application is processed, parents may check the student’s meal status online to see if students qualify for free or reduced price meals and print the confirmation letter.  Contact Student Nutrition Services at 864-397-1167 or 864-397-1166 with any questions.

School Calendar & Student Parent Handbook

The 2023-2024 School Calendar is posted on our website.  Meet the Teacher schedules will be posted online later in the year.  We will provide detailed information regarding your school’s orientation meeting and beginning of the year schedule once your child has qualified.