AL First Class Pre-K Registration

Madison County Schools believes that high-quality Pre-K experiences lay the foundation for lifelong learning and future success. Our Pre-K programs are designed to support the whole child, with goals that include social–emotional development, language and literacy growth, mathematical and scientific thinking, physical development, and creative expression. We also strive to build strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration between home and school enriches each child’s learning experience.

If you are interested in First Class Pre-K continue on this page. If you are interested in the Developmental Pre-K Typical Peer or IEP program click here.

Once you’ve reviewed all the information in the accordion menu, use the final two sections to search your address and complete the first step of the pre-registration process. We look forward to welcoming your family to our preschool program!

First Class Pre-K Informational Video

MCSS Schools that offer First Class Pre-K

The Alabama First Class Pre-K is a grant-funded program operated by the Office of School Readiness. First Class Pre-k does not discriminate against any child or family based on race or color, national origin, religion, class, gender, disability or income and encourages diversity in each of its classrooms.

The following schools participate in this program:

Central School
Harvest Elementary
Hazel Green Elementary
Legacy Elementary
Madison County Elementary
Madison Cross Roads Elementary
Monrovia Elementary
Mt. Carmel Elementary
New Hope Elementary
New Market School
Owens Cross Roads School
Walnut Grove School

The following schools do not participate in this program:

Endeavor Elementary
Lynn Fanning Elementary
Riverton Elementary

First Class Pre-K Admission Requirements

The Madison County School District follows the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education’s (ALDECE) First Class Pre-K pre-registration requirements. ALDECE allows school systems to limit eligibility according to the Board of Education’s residency and attendance policies. Therefore, all First Class Pre-K candidates must meet the Madison County School District’s zoning requirements.

Pre-Registration:

Pre-registration opens January 15
Students must meet the eligibility criteria —
- 4 years of age on or before September 1, not yet 5 years of age
- Custodial parent resides in the registered school zone
- Fully potty trained

You may only pre-register at the school you are zoned to attend

First Class Pre-K Admission Procedures

To be eligible for the March drawing, families must complete TWO required steps at least one week before the drawing date.

These steps include:

✅ New Student PowerSchool Enrollment for Madison County Schools and
✅ Pre-Registration on the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education’s AlaCEED website

When completing the New Student PowerSchool Enrollment, you must upload the following documents:

Age Verification Documentation: Birth Certificate
Certificate of Immunization or Exemption Documentation
Custodial Parent’s Photo Identification
Updated Custody Documentation (if applicable)
Proof of Residence: Current HSV Utility Bill AND one of the following:
- Property Tax Statement
- Deed, Rental/Lease Agreement, or Mortgage Statement

To be eligible for the drawing, residency must be verified by the school system at least one week before the random selection date.

Both steps are required. Completing only one will NOT make your child eligible for selection.

NOTE: Children will not be offered a position or added to the waitlist until both required steps have been completed and residency has been verified.

First Class Pre-K Random Selection Process

Students’ names will be drawn in a random selection drawing held virtually in March at the Madison County Teacher Resource Center and ranked in the order drawn.

You will receive a Provisional Acceptance Letter via email if your child is selected.

You will have 7 days to accept or decline the position. Your child will not be placed in a class until you have accepted the position. Failure to respond within 7 days will result in the spot being offered to the next child on the waiting list.

Once all pre-k spots are filled, remaining students will be placed on a waiting list.

When a spot becomes available, the next child on the waiting list will be offered enrollment. Parents have 48 hours to accept or decline the placement. Failure to respond within 48 hours will result in the spot being offered to the next child on the waiting list.

If your child is selected for Pre-K and you move to another school zone, you must notify the Preschool Resource Specialist. Placement of your child in the new school zone is not guaranteed. (ldavis@mcssk12.org)

First Class Pre-K Parent Engagement Commitments

Your partnership is essential to your child’s success. As a parent/guardian, you are required to:

Families must maintain regular communication with the school in their preferred mode (email, phone, app, etc.) and language whenever possible.
Parents/guardians are required to complete a minimum of 12 participation hours each year. Monthly opportunities will be provided to help meet this requirement.
Attendance at a family orientation meeting within the first 20 school days is mandatory.
Parents/guardians must complete a Parent Contract outlining their commitment to the program.
Parents/guardians must attend at least two individual conferences per school year, usually at the end of each semester.
Parents/guardians are expected to attend school events and Pre-K field trips as part of supporting their child’s learning experience.

Your involvement is required to ensure your child gets the full benefit of the First Class Pre-K program.

First Class Pre-K Transportation

MCSS allows pre-k students to ride the school bus if they are able to follow bus expectations. Please note there is not a bus aide or seatbelts on the regular school bus.

If your child does not meet bus expectations they will not be permitted to ride the bus.

Bus Expectations:

Be at your pick-up location ahead of the scheduled bus arrival and prepared to board the bus
Wait until the bus comes to a COMPLETE stop and a signal from the driver before attempting to get on or off
Stay seated properly in seats at all times
Listen to and obey bus drivers
Keep the aisles clear of feet, books, bags, etc
Keep buses free of litter
No food or drink on the bus
Keep conversations at a low volume, no loud or boisterous talk
No talking during railroad crossings
No use of profanity, obscene, or vulgar language
No headphones/earbuds in use while loading or unloading a bus

If your child has an IEP and requires special transportation as a related service, please contact Jenny McAlister to make arrangements. (jmcalister@mcssk12.org)

First Class Pre-K After School Care

Developmental Pre-K

The Developmental Preschool Program provides specialized instruction and related services to support kindergarten readiness for eligible children ages three through five.

Children served in this program demonstrate significant delays in one or more developmental areas, including cognition and problem-solving, motor skills, communication, self-help, social-emotional development, or behavior.

For more information about Developmental Pre-K, please contact the Special Education Preschool Team at 256-852-2557 ext. 62240 or email spedprek@madison.k12.al.us.

If you would like to make a special education referral for your preschool-age child, please complete the referral form at the link below:

Special Education Pre-K Referral

Address Locator Map

PowerSchool New Student Enrollment

Lynne Davis
First Class Preschool Resource Specialist
ldavis@mcssk12.org
mcssprek@mcssk12.org
256-852-2557 ext. 62263