Amherst Central's pre-K expanding

Amherst Central Schools experienced a successful expansion of their pre-K program this past year.

Enrollment in the district program increased by 60 children, resulting in a total of 110 who participated.

This past June, Amherst applied and won three New York State Education Universal Pre-K grants. The increase in funding has allowed for the expansion without accruing any new costs to the taxpayers.

Participation in the program is open to any 4-year old who resides in the district. The half-day pre-K program operates out of two sites, Windermere Boulevard Elementary School, 291 Windermere Blvd. and Amherst Community Church Child Care Center, 77 Washington Highway. Transportation is provided to and from the Windermere site. Parents are responsible for transportation at the ACCCCC site.

Pre-K registration for the upcoming school year will start on Feb. 26. Registration packets will be available through the Early Childhood Education Center at Windermere Boulevard by calling 362-4100. Those interested must be postmarked to the district by March 21. Tentative placement letters will be sent out to families by the end of March.

Since the program is grant funded, definitive confirmation will occur only after the New York State budget is passed and universal pre-K funding is guaranteed.