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Jackson County School District

Building a Better Community, One Student at a Time.

Early Childhood Programs

Jackson County Early Childhood Programs

The Jackson County School District Early Childhood Programs provide high-quality early learning opportunities that support the growth, development, and school readiness of young children across Jackson County. Through a variety of programs designed to meet the unique needs of children from infancy through preschool, families have access to nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Services are offered at the Early Childhood Center in Marianna as well as school-based locations at Cottondale Elementary School, Graceville School, Malone School, and Sneads Elementary School. Our dedicated educators and support staff work in partnership with families to foster each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Young children sit on a rainbow rug in a classroom, looking at a boy holding a card.

  • Children in colorful outfits walk outdoors, each carrying a white paper bag.

    Our Early Head Start Program is designed for students that are under the age of 3. It consists of 4 classrooms at our Early Childhood Center in Marianna, FL. Each classroom consists of 7-8 students and 2 Caregivers and focuses on meeting the emotional and educational needs of students in the earliest stages of development. 
    In order to qualify for this program, families must qualify under strict federal and program specific guidelines which take into account factors such as income and family size.

  • A young child with dark curly hair concentrates on coloring a page with the number '100' visible.

    Our Head Start Program is designed for students that are 3 years old or older on or before September 1st of the current school year. It serves a total of 211 students across Jackson County with locations in Cottondale, Graceville, Malone, Marianna, and Sneads. Each classroom consists of 17-20 students (HS & VPK) with a Teacher/Instructor and an Assistant. These classes are focused on a variety of developmentally appropriate skills along with Kindergarten Readiness Skills.
    In order to qualify for this program, families must qualify under strict federal and program specific guidelines which take into account factors such as income and family size. 

  • A teacher sits on a colorful rug, leading a group of young children in a classroom activity.

    Our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program is designed for students that are 4 years old or older on or before September 1st of the current school year. It serves aapproximately 50 students across Jackson County with locations in Cottondale, Graceville, Malone, Marianna, and Sneads. Each classroom consists of 17-20 students (HS & VPK) with a Teacher/Instructor and an Assistant. These classes are focused on a variety of developmentally appropriate skills along with Kindergarten Readiness Skills.
    This program is funded through the State of Florida and is filled on a "first come, first served" basis as determined by the time and date stamp on the online registration submission.
     

  • Children's hands build with colorful blocks and light-up tubes in a sensory play tray.

    Our Exceptional Student Education Program is designed for students that are 3 year old or older who demonstrate a significant educational need. It consists of 3 classrooms at our Early Childhood Center in Marianna and 1 classroom at our Cottondale Elementary and Sneads School sites. Each classroom consists of approximately 12 students with a Certified Teacher and a Paraprofessional. These classes are focused on meeting the individual education needs of each student while also addressing developmentally appropriate skills and Kindergarten Readiness Skills.
    This program is funded through the State of Florida and is filled through the Jackson County School District evaluation process.

  • Students working at table
  • Student painting
  • Student Painting
  • Student putting mail in blue homemade mailbox

Registration Information

Registration can be completed online using Focus Parent Portal.  A link for creating a Focus Parent Portal account can be found on the homepage. Once online registration is complete, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. You will need to bring the following items to the interview:

  • Proof of Income (tax return or last 4 pay stubs, SNAP verification letter, SSI, Social Security, Child Support, and/or TANF)
  • Child’s Birth Certificate
  • Parent’s Driver’s License
  • Insurance Card
  • VPK Certificate (for 4-year-olds) (Obtain a VPK Certificate at www.elcnwf.org.)