Pre-K qualification criteria:
Statute: TEC §29.153 (b)
Resources: Student Attendance and Accounting Handbook (SAAH), Section 7.2 & 3.5
To be eligible for enrollment in a free prekindergarten class, a child must be at least three years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a 3-year-old program is available) or four years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
- unable to speak and comprehend the English language
- is educationally disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the national school lunch program.
- is homeless, as defined by 42 USC, §11434a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child's guardian or other person having lawful control of the child
- is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority
- is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
- is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care)
- is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as:
- a peace officer under Texas Government Code §3106.002
- a firefighter under Texas Government Code §3106.003
- an emergency medical first responder under Texas Government Code §3106.004