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Preschool Registration

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At Fort Smith Public Schools, we understand the important role early education plays in setting the stage for future academic success. Since our establishment in 2003, our preschool program has been dedicated to fostering a love for learning from the very start. With classrooms located across all FSPS elementary schools, our licensed childcare center is highly regarded by the Arkansas Department of Human Services and supported by the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success (ABCSS) grant, Child Care Development Funds (CCDF-FPK), local partnerships, and district funding.

Our nurturing and stimulating environment is designed to foster growth and readiness for kindergarten. Our team of dedicated educators creates an interactive, developmentally appropriate setting that encourages hands-on experiences and active participation. Through a curriculum that stimulates curiosity and inspires creativity, we ensure that each young mind is valued and supported. 

Registration Guidelines

Preschool registration will begin Monday, April 14, 2025 and end Thursday, June 5, 2025. Registration will open back on Monday, July 14, 2025. 

There is no online option to register for preschool. Preschool registration is by appointment only. Please see the information below for preschool registration information: 

Eligibility

  • To be eligible for the preschool program, children must turn 4 on or before August 1 of the current school year. Priority is given to children 4 year olds to enhance Kindergarten readiness.
  • Three-year-olds may be registered to be placed on the waitlist or participate in the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program.

Registration Process

1. Pick-Up Packet: Parents/Guardians interested in enrolling their child in preschool or PAT may pick up a paper-copy registration packet at any FSPS Elementary School or the Parker Center (811 N T St, Fort Smith) beginning April 7, 2025.

2. Submission: Completed packets must be submitted in person, by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the Parker Center at (479) 784-8182 ext. 73556, 73543, or 75218, starting April 11, 2025. The completed packet must be brought to the Parker Center at the scheduled appointment time. Incomplete packets will not be accepted, and parents/guardians will need to reschedule. Elementary schools will not accept preschool packets. You must bring your child(ren) to preschool registration. Only one parent/guardian will be allowed to register their child at Parker Center, unless specific paperwork needs to be notarized.

If you can't reach the Parker Center, call (479) 784-8182 ext. 73543, leave your name and number, and we’ll call you back.

Note: The FSPS Preschool Program is funded by the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success grant and the Child Care Development-Federal Pre-K Grant. Eligibility is based on parent/guardian income, with priority given to children who turn four on or before August 1 of the current school year.

3. Placement Notification: Parents/guardians will be informed about their child's placement in late July or early August. If a child is not placed in a classroom, he or she will be added to the district preschool waitlist.

Required Documents

birth certificate, social security card, immunization records, proof of address, current physical exam, 30 days proof of income

The FSPS Preschool Program is funded through the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success (ABCSS) grant and the Child Care Development-Federal PreKindergarten (CCDF-FPK) Grant. Eligibility for these services is based on the parent/guardian's income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about the Preschool or Parents As Teachers programs,
feel free to reach out to the Early Childhood Education Department. We're here to help and provide

any information you need to ensure your child's early learning experience is successful.

Call us at 479-785-8182 ext 73543