For a strong foundation, children need strong families, environments that support healthy outcomes and early care and education programs that are safe and provide opportunities for learning. High quality early education programs yield higher graduation rates, reduced crime, higher earnings, less reliance on social services and better jobs.

There are only 2,000 days from the time a baby is born to when that child begins kindergarten. Investing in those early days produces a lifetime of results for children, the communities in which they live and our ability to compete in a global economy.

Resource: Time to sign up for pre-K. Polk County Schools has started taking applications for Polk County’s Preschool Program.There are four locations:  Saluda, Sunny View, Polk Central and Tryon Elementary/Forbes.  The applications are available at Stearns and at any elementary school office, DSS and the health department.

Along with a completed child intake form and permission form, they must have a copy of the following items:  official birth certificate, adoption or custodial orders if applicable, immunization record, proof of family income (copy of the 2012 income tax return or W2 forms), health assessment/physical, proof of residency in Polk County (a recent utility bill with a street address, a rental or lease agreement, etc.).

– writtten by Barry Gold, Partnership for Children of the Foothills