Preschoolers play and learnAt the June 3 School Board meeting, PWCS leaders shared an update on the division’s efforts to expand preschool access and move toward Universal Pre-K by the 2030–31 school year.

Dr. Ashley Reyher, associate superintendent for special education and early intervention, and Dr. Nora Bryant, director of preschool programs, outlined a phased approach that will gradually increase access for families across the county, culminating in a system where all four-year-olds who opt in can enroll in a PWCS pre-K program by the 2030–31 school year.

Year one: aligning and strengthening programs

The 2026–27 school year will focus on aligning and strengthening existing programs. Key priorities include:

  • Moving four-year-old preschool classrooms to a full-day schedule.
  • Aligning preschool schedules with the elementary school day.
  • Expanding access to early childhood special education classrooms.
  • Adding a limited number of new seats where space is available.
  • Implementing a new high-quality preschool curriculum with training and ongoing support for teachers.

Looking ahead

PWCS will take a phased approach to expansion, adding classrooms and building capacity each year based on available space, staffing, and funding, culminating in universal access to all four-year-olds by 2030–31.

More information, including answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment, eligibility, and program expansion, is available on the PWCS website.