Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer(s) you are looking for, we hope you reach out for additional information!
General FAQs
Is Pre-K mandatory?
Pre-K is not mandatory.
What is the age my child has to be to enter Pre-K?
A child must be 4 years old by September 30th.
What determines if my child is eligible for Pre-K?
The child must be 4 by September 30th. Screening and household income will determine eligibility.
Is the EBR Public School Pre-K Program free?
Families not qualifying under federal guidelines for free tuition may pay a maximum of $485 monthly if the child is placed in an LA4 classroom.
How can I get help with child care tuition?
Limited child care scholarships are available through this website’s application process. Parents may also apply for the state’s Child Care Assistance Program.
What is a microcenter?
The microcenter is a program aimed at three-year-olds that is managed by a local childcare provider within an EBR Parish School.
Can I enroll my child in an East Baton Rouge Parish School System Pre-K site if I live outside of the City of Baton Rouge?
No, you may only enroll students in an East Baton Rouge Parish School System Pre-K class if you live in the city of Baton Rouge. You may enroll your students in any childcare center regardless of your address.
Is transportation provided for EBR Public School Pre-K students?
Transportation is provided if the student is in their attendance zone based on your home address. Parents can find which school is in their attendance zone by using the Find My Attendance Zone tool.
Parents must provide transportation for their child if the student is not in their attendance zone. This does not apply to the two dedicated Pre-K sites – Southdowns and Delmont Dedicated Pre-K Centers.
Application FAQs
What information will I need to complete the Pre-K Online Application?
- Your school of preference
- Your second and third choice of school
- Your child’s name, date of birth, and address
- Your name, address, phone number, and email address
- Name of siblings in the home
- Income verification
- Gross income amount, frequency, and selected verification proof (if applicable)
Note: If parent(s) do not submit income verification, they may be charged the maximum amount for tuition.
What would parents enter for gross income and frequency if they select sNAP/Food Stam Verification, Foster Care Placement Agreement or Homeless Verification?
Parents are required to enter gross income and frequency. However, if they select any of the three items above and provide appropriate verification, they are automatically eligible. They may enter any amount and frequency in these fields because it will not affect the determination.
How will I be notified if my child is accepted?
Parents will be notified by email. An email address is required to complete the application.
What are my other options if my child does not get into the Pre-K program and how do I select a different program?
Parents will have the option to re-apply online and select another program of preference which may include: EBR Public Elementary Schools, EBR Dedicated PK/K Centers, Charters, NSECD Private Schools, EBR Early Head Start Centers, EBR Head Start Centers and Childcare Centers.
Screening FAQs
Is a screening required for all children?
Children applying to most PreK4 programs will require a screening. All students applying to an EBR public school will be screened. Children with an IEP may be exempt from screening.
Does the screening score guarantee my child's seat at their first choice school?
No, screening scores do not guarantee a child’s seat.
What should I do if my child's first choice school is no longer offering Brigance screening dates?
Contact your 2nd choice school or the EBR Early Childhood Office (225) 960-1671 for screening availability.
Enrollment FAQs
What required documents should I bring to my child's school once accepted into the program?
- Child’s Original Birth Certificate
- Child’s Social Security Card
- Guardian’s Picture Identification
- Up-to-Date Shot Records
- Proof of Residence (2 recent Bills)
Parents who do not have proof of residence may provide a notarized statement verifying that they reside at that address - 2 Most Current Payroll Stubs
What are the uniform colors for the EBRPSS Pre-K Program?
Navy Top and Navy Bottom
Will my EBRPSS Pre-K student report to school on the first day?
No. Your child’s school will host a parent meeting on this day. Contact the school to determine the parent meeting time. All EBRPSS pre-k students participate in a staggered start schedule.
Who should I contact regarding more information about the EBR Public Pre-K Programs?
Parents can contact their local school or the Early Childhood Office at (225) 960-1671 to obtain more information about the program.