Voluntary PreK Programs
Hamilton County Department of Education operates 44 Voluntary Pre-K classrooms in 26 different
locations, which includes schools and community based sites. The program is funded through federal
and state funds, and is designed to give students the proper foundation for Kindergarten. The program
is open to those Hamilton County residents who meet federal or state guidelines. Students must be 4
years old by 8/15 and meet household income requirements to qualify for the program.
For income eligibility and the link to the application, click the button labeled Application Information & Eligibility below.
Developmental Learning Program
In addition to our Voluntary PreK classrooms, Hamilton County Schools also operates Developmental Learning Program classrooms for eligible students as young as age 3. To participate in a DLP classroom, students must meet eligibility for an IEP under a Tennessee disability category. In addition, the IEP team must also recommend placement in an exceptional education setting. Families of children already found eligible and assigned a seat in a DLP setting should also complete the standard PreK application. If a family applies for a DLP class, but eligibility has not been met, they will not be seated until eligibility is met.
Important!
If you have concerns about your child’s development and think they might need to be assessed to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for IEP services, please contact the PALS center as soon as possible. They provide assessments to children as young as 3 years of age.
Inquiries should be directed to:
Amy's P.A.L.S. (Preschool Assessment & Learning Services Center)
1161 W.40th Street, Suite 215
☎️423.498.7200
📠423.498.6658