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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 Malone 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

Please visit the Jackson County Early Childhood Center, 4283 Kelson Avenue, Marianna, FL 32446, for a registration packet and to schedule an interview time. An appointment is needed for interviews. Interviews will not be conducted without the required documentation. You must bring the following documents:

  • Proof of Income (tax return or last 4 pay stubs, SNAP, 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.)
  • Application Packet (Registration Form and Housing Questionnaire)

Application Packets may also be picked up at Sneads Elementary, Cottondale Elementary, Graceville School, Malone School, or may be printed from the links to the right menu bar of this page.