MCS accepting applications for West Madison Pre-Kindergarten Center, Early Beginnings, HIPPY

MADISON – Families can now start the process to apply for a child to attend West Madison First Class Pre-Kindergarten Center with Madison City Schools; Early Beginnings Preschool; or Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters or HIPPY.

Pre-K administrators opened applications on Jan. 15, and families can apply through March 14. Random selections (or drawing) of student registrations for Pre-K will be held on March 26; a child’s acceptance into pre-kindergarten is completed strictly by random selection drawing.

For eligibility in First Class Pre-Kindergarten, the child must be at least four years old by Sept. 1, 2026, and a resident of Madison. Children who are eligible to attend kindergarten are not eligible for pre-kindergarten.

Parents or guardians must provide specific documents:

• Child’s birth certificate – Parents can upload a copy to the online pre-registration site or submit it directly to MCS Pre-Kindergarten staff.

• Proof of residence – Parents must prove Alabama residency, either by uploading to online pre-registration or giving directly to MCS Pre-Kindergarten staff.

• Registration fee – Families do not pay a fee for First Class Pre-Kindergarten.

• Immunization – When a child is enrolled, parents must provide immunization records to the school or program.

• Open participation – MCS will not deny participation on basis of income, sex, race, color, national origin, or disability.

To apply for prekindergarten, visit prek.alaceed.alabama.gov.

In addition, MCS offers Early Beginnings Preschool and HIPPY programs.

For eligibility in Early Beginnings Preschool, a child who qualifies for a disability and for special education services must be three years old by Sept. 1, 2026. Other children must be four years old by Sept. 1. All applicants must live in Madison. MCS staff will conduct random selections for Early Beginnings Preschool on April 1.

HIPPY provides free home visitation with parental involvement for a school readiness program that helps parents prepare their two-, three- and four-yearold child for success in school.

HIPPY empowers parents as their child’s first teacher in their home. Early childhood education provides long-term benefits and encourages parents in active involvement in their child’s education. HIPPY increases success for children in elementary school and for future grades.

To qualify for HIPPY, the child must be two, three or four years old by Sept. 1. The child must live in Madison.

For a summary of information for pre-kindergarten, Early Beginnings Preschool and HIPPY programs, click the link on the Enrollment tab of the MCS website (or visit madisoncity.k12.al.us/ Page/9023 or madisoncity.k12.al.us/ Page/947).