This year, Union Pre-K expanded its enrollment capacity from 20 to 60 students for the first time, thanks to a School Improvement Program (SIP) grant from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). With registration currently open for next school year, the program is preparing for its second year of providing expanded access to families in the community.
“We applied for this SIP grant through MDE to meet the demand,” said Hannah Wren, Principal of Union Elementary School. “We partnered with the local Head Start program, which gave us access to additional funding and resources. That allowed us to include an extra 40 seats in our registration process, which made this expansion possible.”
The grant provided $1,225 per classroom, funding that was essential for the new setup. “It made such a difference,” said Wren. “We were able to purchase manipulatives, furniture, and other materials to fully equip the extra classrooms. That kind of monetary support has been invaluable.”
The program uses the Mississippi Beginnings curriculum, which emphasizes learning through play and exploration. “[The curriculum] helps our teachers stay on track while giving kids the opportunity to learn in a hands-on way,” said counselor Whitney Weaver. “We’ve also received training through MDE that focuses on things like productive play, natural play, and exploration. It’s amazing how much kids this age absorb when they’re given the right environment.”
For years, the program only had 20 spots, creating a scramble among parents to secure one for their child. “We’ve had the 20 seats as long as I can remember,” said Superintendent Tyler Hansford. “Every year, we had more families who wanted in than we had room for, and we just couldn’t accommodate everyone. Luckily we are able to again offer 60 seats for area families.”
“At Union Pre-K, the kids get to be part of the pre-K program and start building relationships with their future classmates, which really helps with the transition to kindergarten,” said counselor Whitney Weaver.
Principal Wren explained the importance of social-emotional learning and early exposure to routines. “Pre-K is about so much more than academics,” said Wren. “It’s about learning to interact with others, respect differences, and work together. These are foundational skills that set kids up for success in school and life.”
Counselor Whitney Weaver added, “When kids come here, they learn things like following directions, working as a group, and getting comfortable with routines. By the time they get to kindergarten, they’re ready to hit the ground running, and teachers can spend more time focusing on academics.”
Parents can now pick up Pre-K registration packets on at the UES/UHS office between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Completed packets can be returned on Feb. 17 and 18 at the same location during the same hours. To complete the registration process, parents must provide a birth certificate verifying that the child will be four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2025, a Social Security card, a current Form 121 immunization record, and two proofs of residency in the Union Public School District. There are 60 available spots for Pre-K enrollment. Additionally, parents and guardians will be required to bring their child back in June for Pre-K testing, with the specific date to be announced later.
