The National School District Preschool Program provides a comfortable, developmentally appropriate, linguistically correct setting for what is often the child's first experience away from home.

We serve over 400 children from National City and surrounding communities in our State-Funded and Head Start preschool programs.  Preschool classes are located at eight district sites.  We offer English and dual language classes.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

State Preschool and Head Start classes in National School District offer free preschool for families that meet the income-eligibility requirements.  Morning, afternoon and full day preschool classes are offered at eight elementary school sites.  Children may enroll in District preschool if they are three or four years old by September 1st of the current school year.  Priority is given to four-year old children who will attend Kindergarten the following year.  On a a first come/first serve basis, parents may select the site, time and language component that is best for their child/family.  All children are served a free breakfast and/or lunch during the preschool day.

SCHEDULE & CALENDAR

We offer a variety of preschool schedule options depending on age and income eligibility.  Preschool part-day classes (3-3.5 hours) meet four to five days per week.  We offer morning and afternoon classes.  Full day preschool classes (6.5 hours) are available to those that qualify.  Session start times vary by site.  Morning and extended day sessions start at 8:00 am and afternoon sessions begin between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm.  The calendar for the preschool program follows the district elementary calendar.  Families will be given the upcoming school year calendar upon enrollment.

CURRICULUM

National School District uses Scholastic Big Day for Pre-K Curriculum.  This exciting curriculum is developmentally appropriate and combines child centered exploration with teacher-directed instruction.  The program provides children with whole group, small group, and individual learning experiences along with many opportunities for children to make choices and develop independence and complex thinking skills.  Assessments are conducted with each student to collect data that is used to help understand and support the development of your child.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

School is an important part of your child's day, and parents are encouraged to visit and/or volunteer time on a regular basis.  Frequent parent training on a variety of topics is offered at each preschool site throughout the year.  Parents may also volunteer to serve on District leadership committees, the Head Start Parent Advisory Committee, work in the classroom, and attend field trips and celebrations throughout the year.  All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application.

HEALTH REQUIREMENT

National School District has a strict NO SHOTS - NO SCHOOL policy.  State law requires that all children be inoculated against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, and varicella (chicken pox).  All children must receive a physical exam and TB test within 30 days of enrollment.

ANSWER TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Must my child be potty trained?

Yes, your child must be fully potty trained before starting preschool.

Why do I need to share information about my family income?

National School District has preschool classes for families who live in and outside National City.  We receive federal and state funding for low-income families.  We ask for family income information to see if the family qualifies and so that we can receive funding to support the program.

What if I need information about other services to help my child and or family (health care, counseling, etc.)?
What if I have questions or concerns about my preschool child's development?

Preschool staff can help you get information about district and community services to help your family.  If you have questions about your child's development or school readiness, ask your child's teacher for assistance.

WHAT IF I NEED FULL-DAY CARE?

National School District offers half-day and some full day preschool classes for families that qualify.  Families that need full-day care are encouraged to contact family childcare providers in the area who can provide before/after school care.

Program funding is provided through California Department of Education and Head Start of San Diego County.