Early Learning and Pre-K
Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Success
Sumner County Schools is committed to supporting the growth and development of our youngest learners. Our Early Learning programs provide safe, engaging and inclusive learning environments where children can build communication, social-emotional, cognitive, physical and early academic skills while preparing for continued success in school.
How Can We Help?
Whether you are ready to apply for Pre-K, have concerns about your child's development or need to make a tuition payment, start with one of the options below.
Apply for Pre-K
Interested in a Sumner County Schools Pre-K program? Complete the Pre-K application to begin the process.
Pre-K ApplicationChild Find Referral
Have concerns about your child's development, speech or language? Submit a referral to our Preschool Assessment Team.
Child Find ReferralPay Tuition
Families participating in a tuition-based Early Learning program can access the online payment system here.
Pay Tuition OnlineImportant Registration Information
Please do not complete Skyward registration yet. Skyward registration should only be completed after your child has been approved by the Early Learning Department and you have been instructed to complete registration.
Our Early Learning Programs
Sumner County Schools Early Learning programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of young children through inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support the whole child.
1
Children with Special Education Needs
Children who qualify for special education services receive individualized instruction and support designed around their unique developmental and educational needs.
2
Children Identified as At Risk
Pre-K opportunities help provide young learners with additional academic, social and developmental support as they prepare for kindergarten and future school success.
3
Typically Developing Peers
Typically developing children may participate alongside students with disabilities, helping create inclusive classrooms where children learn, communicate and grow together.
Building Skills for Lifelong Learning
Our classrooms provide engaging early learning experiences that support growth across important areas of child development.
Language &
Communication
Communication
Cognitive
Development
Development
Social-Emotional
Skills
Skills
Physical
Development
Development
Early Literacy &
Numeracy
Numeracy
Classrooms are led by certified early childhood educators and supported by specialized staff who work closely with families, therapists and other professionals. Instruction is designed to provide children with meaningful learning experiences while supporting their individual needs.
Pre-K Enrollment & Placement
Interested in Pre-K with Sumner County Schools? The process begins with an application. Placement is determined by the Early Learning Department based on program availability and family needs.
1
Complete an Application
Submit the online Pre-K application to begin the enrollment process.
2
Application Review
The Early Learning Department reviews applications and determines available placement options.
3
Receive Placement
Families will receive information regarding approval and their child's Pre-K placement.
4
Complete Registration
After approval, families will be instructed when to complete Skyward registration and provide required documentation.
How Pre-K Placement Works
Pre-K placement in Sumner County is not strictly based on a child's zoned elementary school. When possible, the district works to place students at their zoned school if a Pre-K classroom is available.
If Pre-K is not available at the zoned school, placement may be offered at another nearby program. Families who live in Sumner County may apply for any available Pre-K program.
Some families choose a location closest to home, while others may prefer a program closer to a parent's workplace.
Pre-K Quick Facts
Residency
Families must live in Sumner County and will be asked to provide
two proofs of residency during registration.
School Zone
Your child does not have to attend Pre-K at their zoned
elementary school.
Calendar & Schedule
Pre-K classes follow the Sumner County Schools calendar and
school start times unless otherwise specified.
Skyward Registration
Do not complete Skyward registration until you receive approval
and instructions from the Early Learning Department.
Ready to Apply?
Complete the Pre-K application to begin the process. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement.
Apply for Pre-KPreschool Child Find & Special Education
If you have concerns about your child's development, speech or language, Sumner County Schools can help connect your family with evaluation and support services.
Do You Have Concerns About Your Child's Development?
Child Find is the process of locating, identifying and evaluating children who may have a disability. Children suspected of having a developmental delay or disability may be referred for an evaluation at no cost to the family.
For developmental or speech/language concerns involving a preschool-age child, contact the Sumner County Schools Preschool Assessment Team.
Birth to 36 Months
Tennessee Early Intervention System
If you believe your child from birth through 36 months may have a disability or developmental delay, contact Tennessee's Early Intervention System (TEIS).
TEIS helps families locate early intervention services for infants and toddlers before they reach school age.
Visit Tennessee Early Intervention System
TEIS Referral Phone: 1-800-852-7157
Ages 3 to 5
Preschool Special Education
Preschool special education serves eligible children ages three through five who experience challenges in learning or development and meet state and federal eligibility requirements.
Services are individualized to each child and are provided in the least restrictive environment appropriate for that student's needs.
The first step for families with concerns is to submit a Child Find referral to the Preschool Assessment Team.
Eligibility for Preschool Special Education
Eligibility is determined using criteria established by federal and state special education rules and regulations.
- Eligible children are entitled to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
- Each eligible child receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed collaboratively by the child's family, teachers, therapists and school staff.
- The IEP identifies the child's individual goals, services and supports.
- Children with disabilities are educated with nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
- Special education is a system of individualized services and supports rather than one specific classroom or location.
Continuum of Preschool Special Education Services
Sumner County Schools provides a continuum of services for eligible children ages 3–5. Services are determined by each child's IEP team and are individualized based on educational and developmental needs.
Speech & Language Therapy
Children with identified speech and/or language needs may receive therapy services individually or in small groups.
Integrated & Developmental Pre-K
Structured preschool classrooms provide special education services while supporting learning alongside typically developing peers when appropriate.
Developmental Language Groups
Preschool group experiences support individualized goals in communication, cognition, social development, physical development and functional play.
The frequency, length and setting of services may vary based on the individual needs and IEP of each student.
Transitioning from TEIS to Sumner County Schools
Children currently participating in the Tennessee Early Intervention System may have a transition meeting with Sumner County Schools arranged by their TEIS service coordinator as they approach preschool age.
This process helps families learn about possible preschool services and determine whether additional evaluation is needed before the child transitions from early intervention services.
Early Learning Locations
Sumner County Schools offers Early Learning and Pre-K opportunities at dedicated Early Learning Centers and elementary school sites throughout the district.
Gallatin Early Learning Center
Learn more about programs, information and opportunities available at our Gallatin Early Learning Center.
Visit Gallatin Early Learning CenterHendersonville Early Learning Center
Sumner County Schools also provides Early Learning programming through our Hendersonville Early Learning Center.
Visit Hendersonville Early Learning CenterSchool Site Locations
Early Learning and Pre-K classrooms are also offered at selected elementary schools across Sumner County.
Beech Elementary School
George Whitten Elementary School
H.B. Williams Elementary School
J.W. Wiseman Elementary School
Lakeside Park Elementary School
Nannie Smith Berry Elementary School
Portland Gateview Elementary School
Station Camp Elementary School
Westmoreland Elementary School
Family Resources
Explore resources designed to support your child's development, health, learning and transition into kindergarten.
Child Development
Birth to Five Child Development
Explore developmental information and resources for families with young children from birth through age five.
View Child Development Resources →Health & Wellness
Healthy Children
Find information and resources to help support your child's health, wellness and overall development.
View Healthy Children Resources →Early Education
Literacy & Learning
Discover activities and resources families can use to encourage early literacy, learning and curiosity at home.
View Literacy & Learning Resources →Kindergarten Readiness
Kindergarten Readiness for Children with Disabilities
Access resources from STEP designed to help families of children with disabilities prepare for the transition to kindergarten.
View Kindergarten Readiness Resource →Early Intervention
Tennessee Early Intervention System
Learn about Tennessee's early intervention services for eligible infants and toddlers from birth through 36 months.
Visit TEIS →Related Program
Looking for Childcare?
Visit our Childcare Programs page for information about before-school, after-school and other childcare opportunities available through Sumner County Schools.
Explore Childcare Programs →Early Learning Leadership & Staff
Our Early Learning team supports families, students and schools throughout Sumner County with Pre-K programming, special education services and early childhood support.
Roxanne Jones
Early Childhood Supervisor
Kayla Johnson
SPED PreK Consulting Teacher
Mina Broadrick
SPED PreK Consulting Teacher
Barbara Lombardi
SPED PreK Consulting Teacher
Need Help?
If you have questions about Pre-K applications, Child Find, placement, eligibility or Early Learning services, our team is here to help connect you with the right information.