Moore County launches Pre-K enrollment push

Families may qualify for free Voluntary Pre-K even if they believe their income is too high. Here is what to know.

8:23 p.m. July 13, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Moore County Schools needs seven more income-eligible 4-year-olds to enroll in its Voluntary Pre-K program and help protect the state grant that helps pay for it.

Director of Schools Chad Moorehead told the Board of Education on Monday that 11 income-eligible children are enrolled for the coming school year. The state expects at least 90% of the 20-seat classroom – or 18 children – to meet the program’s income guidelines.

If the district falls short, Moorehead said it will likely take a hit on the grant and could lose some funding for the program.

“We really need seven more 4-year-olds,” Moorehead said.

More than letters and numbers

The Voluntary Pre-K program helps children build the skills they will need when they enter kindergarten. The classroom covers early reading, math, science, art, physical development, and social skills.

The goal is not just to teach letters and numbers. Children also learn how to follow directions, work with classmates, stay focused, and settle into the rhythm of a school day.

Moore County has regularly met the state’s enrollment requirement in recent years. This year has been harder because of a change in how children are counted.

In the past, the district could use income-eligible 3-year-olds to help reach the 90% mark. Moorehead said the state is no longer allowing that.

That leaves the school system searching for more 4-year-olds from families who meet the income rules. It also puts the district in direct competition with Head Start, which needs income-eligible children for its program, too.

Do not assume you earn too much

Moorehead said some parents may rule themselves out without checking the guidelines.

“A lot of parents will say, ‘Well, I make too much money to be income eligible,’” he said. “This is different.”

The Pre-K income limits are not the same as the guidelines used for free and reduced-price school meals. Moorehead encouraged families to review the income chart before deciding they do not qualify.

School officials are now working to spread the word. They discussed placing information on the Moore County High School sign, sending enrollment details to the Moore County Resource Center, and putting yard signs around the community.

Moorehead also asked board members and residents to share the information with anyone who may know an eligible family.

“Give it to anyone,” he said.

Who can apply

Children must live in Moore County. Moorehead said the district’s enrollment information lists Aug. 15 as the date by which a child must turn 4.

The district may accept children who do not meet the income rules after school has been in session for 30 days. That could help fill the classroom, but it may not protect the grant because the state requirement is tied to income-eligible students.

Moorehead said the district has reached the 90% mark fairly regularly in recent years.

“But this year, we’re struggling,” he said.

Tennessee’s Voluntary Pre-K program was created to help young children, especially those considered at risk, prepare for kindergarten. Early-learning programs can help children strengthen their language, reading, math, social, and classroom skills before they begin school.

For Moore County, the need is immediate. Seven more eligible children would allow the district to meet the state requirement and protect the grant that helps pay for the program.

Families with a child turning 4 by Aug. 15 should call Moore County Schools at (931) 759-7303 and ask to have their eligibility checked.