Virtual Pre-K
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For spring semester, Pre-K families should register for the virtual option if they have health or safety concerns, per guidance from NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Students will remain enrolled at their current school as assigned. To the degree possible, students will be assigned teachers from their current school. However, in some cases, WCPSS may assign students to different schools within a region to form classes.
Daily Structure
Students will experience a daily school schedule that includes the same components of the school day as their peers participating in face-to-face or blended instruction to the degree feasible. They will receive counseling and social emotional support from their current school staff, as needed. School staff will make an intentional effort to make meaningful connections among students and create a true classroom community.
Instruction
Students will experience the WCPSS core instructional program online. Instruction will be standards-aligned and focused on ensuring student development. It may not be feasible to access all specials/elective programs in a fully online environment.
Students will either be assigned to a teacher within their school or their school’s region. Structures will be in place to communicate needs and progress to a student's current school if they are assigned to a teacher within the region. Preschool Program support will be provided by qualified teachers. Special Education Services support will be provided by related service providers.
Students will continue to receive updates and services via their assigned school. An example of school services may include 504 services. Any specialized services (i.e. 504 Plans) will be implemented by staff at the student’s current school to provide continuity of service from fall 2020.
Teachers will work in collaboration with other school staff members to align instructional practices and expectations.
Technical Support
Students and families will have support from our Help Desk for technology assistance.
FAQs
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Can students with an IEP sign up for this virtual option?
Yes, if you have concerns about your child’s health or safety, you may register for the Pre-K Virtual Option. If questions or concerns arise regarding the implementation of the IEP, an IEP team may convene to discuss goal implementation in the virtual learning environment.
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Can a student return to attending classes at the school if they change their mind?
The recommendation is that students registered in the virtual option should remain for the duration of the semester. Students may transfer in or out of the virtual option only when there are extenuating circumstances. Such transfers should be rare.
Limiting transfers for the remainder of the semester is necessary to protect existing school schedules. Due to class size limits, which apply even during remote instruction, large-scale changes made outside of the registration window forces schools to redraw class rosters and schedules for everyone. Principals will consider these and other factors when making decisions regarding transfers outside of the semester change.
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On which calendar(s) will the Pre-K Virtual Option operate?
The WCPSS Pre-K Virtual Option calendar will align with each school’s calendar:
- For traditional calendar schools, the virtual program students will be on the traditional calendar.
- For year-round calendar schools, the virtual program students will be on the Single Track 4 calendar.
- For modified calendar schools, the virtual program students will be on the modified calendar.
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What will the typical Pre-K Virtual school day be like?
Parents and students can expect that students will have some learning experiences for which they will need to be in attendance and attentive during specific hours of the day. Students will receive approximately 5-6 hours of instruction and/or instructional activities per day, with at least 1 hour and 20 minutes of live instruction per day. Times may increase beyond the baseline based on teacher planning.
Students will also have flexibility to work at their own pace on family facilitated activities. Consistent daily schedules will include online instruction that will be a combination of live and recorded sessions. In addition there will be device-free breaks. Social and emotional wellness will be taken into consideration in scheduling.
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How much time will a student be expected to spend in front of a computer? Will the schedule/routine be the same every day?
The amount of time a student will spend in front of a device for 1 hour and 20 minutes as well as asynchronous learning activities assigned for the day/week. There will be ample time for independent learning activities and breaks, including lunch and time for physical and other activities, built into the schedule.
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What are the expectations of a parent or guardian regarding ensuring their child is participating appropriately and effectively in virtual learning?
Students will need support in online instruction. Typically, younger students need closer supervision and assistance. This might come from a parent, guardian, grandparent, older sibling or other members of a child’s support system. We will work with families to ensure that they have the support they need for a successful experience.
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How is actual teaching going to be handled when a student is doing online instruction?
There will be a combination of actual live sessions and recorded sessions. There also will be opportunities for independent practices and activities that are not completed using a device.
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Will special services be provided virtually, too?
Yes. Any specialized services (IEPs, LEP, 504, Intervention) will be implemented by qualified staff at the student’s current school. This includes students participating virtually.
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If my child receives special education and related services in a child-care or home setting, do I need to submit a Pre-K Virtual Option Registration?
No. Students already receiving virtual, itinerant pre-K services will receive letters confirming that they will continue to receive those services virtually.
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If my child is assigned to a developmental day center for special education and related services, do I need to submit a Pre-K Virtual Option Registration?
If you want your child to continue receiving in-person, face-to-face services at the developmental day center, you do not need to submit a registration.
If you want your child to receive services online only, you must complete and submit the Pre-K Virtual Option Registration.
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How is technology going to be handled? Will students get devices/wifi if they don’t have access?
iPads will be available to students, but at this time, we do not have hot spots to distribute.
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If I have questions about whether to register for Pre-K Virtual Option or not, who should I ask?
Discuss your questions with your teacher or service provider.
