RESERVE – For years, parents have told their young toddlers that they will be able to go to school when they become a “big boy” or “big girl,” as a means of encouraging them in their transition from home to school, treating it much like an institutional rite of passage.

But Thanks to a greater emphasis on early learning, research to support its effectiveness and funding from local, state and federal government programs to increase it availability, more and more toddlers can find themselves in a classroom well before that “big boy” or “big girl” age.

St. John the Baptist Parish is one of the state’s few public school districts that offers universal preschool for all its 4-year-olds. The district just completed its first year of implementation, which by all measures has been a tremendous success.

“By giving all our 4-year-olds access to pre-K, we are improving their ability to succeed at every stage of their academic careers — partly because they are better equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, and also because parents can get involved at an early stage and equip them to stay active throughout their school years,” Superintendent Courtney P. Millet said.

Millet noted that the district’s universal pre-K program is one of the components of the district’s Master Plan for Achievement, which was adopted by the school board in October 2008.

“There has been a nationwide initiative for some time to provide pre-K classes to all 4-year-olds, but the funding has not been there to make that a reality. That’s why this district has taken the initiative to invest in a universal program, so all children in St. John the Baptist Parish can get the early learning they need to be successful in the classroom,” Millet said.

She said the district is providing universal preschool in coordination with the district’s state and federal preschool programs for 4-year-olds, which include Head Start, LA-4 and Model Early programs.

Millet said the community has supported her initiatives to expand a high quality early learning program throughout the district. The district enrolled more than 360 pre-K students during the 2011-2012 school year.

“If the primary purpose of preschool is to ensure that all children are given the early learning experiences they need to prepare them for success in school, which will lay the foundation for college and career readiness, then how can we say we will limit the program to a few,” Millet said. “I’m proud to say that St. John Parish is investing in early learning for all students.”

Lake Pontchartrain Elementary Principal Margaret Hastings said her school’s programs offer more than just “learning ABCs and colors.”

“These programs have offered our children an opportunity to adapt to the social changes that are associated with any school setting. They’ve learned how to interact with others. They’ve learned about rules and how to follow instructions. Even the simplest instruction to ‘get in line’ can be foreign to some children,” Hastings said. “Our students who attend preschool are so much better prepared to learn and receive instruction than those who don’t. It really makes a huge difference.”

“Preschool should be a part of every parent’s education plan for his or her children,” she said.

Each pre-K class is limited to 20 students, and each class has a teacher and teaching assistant. Full day classes generally run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided for the students. Free bus transportation is also provided for all pre-K students.

The district is currently taking applications for its preschool programs for the 2012-2013 school year. Classes are offered at East St. John Elementary in Reserve, Lake Pontchartrain Elementary in LaPlace, St. John Child Development Center in Garyville and West St. John Elementary in Edgard

Children eligible for the programs must be 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2012. Children who are 3 years old by Sept. 30, 2012, may register for the Head Start program; however, 4-year-olds will be enrolled first because they will be eligible to attend kindergarten the following year. Any 3-year-old applicants not enrolled in the district’s Head Start program at the start of the 2012-2013 school year will be put on a waiting list.

Family income will not hinder a child from being accepted; however, some programs may require more documents than others. Applications can be picked up at the St. John School Board Office over the summer.

The following documents are required for the pre-school application to be considered complete:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate or U.S. entry papers

• Proof of custody, if the applicant is the legal guardian

• If the parent/guardian is working, a copy of the last two check stubs, a notarized statement from the employer, or W2 form

• If receiving welfare or food stamps, a current copy of the budget sheet

• If receiving Social Security benefits, a copy of the Social Security award letter or check

• The child’s up-to-date immunization record

• A copy of the child’s medical insurance card/Medicaid card /LACHIP card

Parents are encouraged to reserve a spot for their child early. For more information, parents should contact the St. John Child Development Center at 985-535-2713 or the central office at 1-800-296-1106.