Early Childhood
Early Childhood Programs
The Hallsville School District offers a range of early childhood programs designed to support children and families from pregnancy through preschool. Programs include Parents as Teachers, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), and a Full-Day Preschool program, each providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children’s growth and school readiness. Through developmental screenings, individualized services, and play-based learning environments, these programs help identify and support children’s needs while building strong foundations for future learning. Families are encouraged to complete the Early Childhood Interest Form to begin the screening process and learn more about available opportunities.
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Parents as Teachers is a free program available to all families residing in the Hallsville School District. Serving families from pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, this program is designed to inform, support, and encourage parents in their vital role as their child’s first and most influential teacher. Through personalized home visits tailored to each family's needs, parents can discover new ways to learn and play with their child while gaining valuable knowledge about child development and effective parenting practices.
Yearly developmental screenings provide insight into each child's health and progress, helping parents better understand their child’s development while identifying strengths, abilities, and any areas of concern. Additionally, Parents as Teachers connects families with valuable community resources, ensuring they have access to the support they need.
To enroll or learn more, contact Parent Educator Karen Smith at ksmith@hallsville.org or call 573-696-5512 ext. 6220. You can also complete the Hallsville Early Childhood Screening and Interest Form below.
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The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program is a federally funded program designed to support children ages 3-5 with significant developmental delays in one or more of the following areas: health, motor (fine and/or gross), social/emotional/behavioral, communication (speech and/or language), cognitive, or adaptive. Children must qualify for the program through a screening and evaluation process. If eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed to support the child’s needs. The program includes certified early childhood special education teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational and physical therapists, and teacher assistants. This program provide a hands-on, developmentally appropriate, play-based preschool curriculum focused on individual needs. Classes are held Tuesday through Friday in either a morning session from 8:00 to 11:38 a.m. or an afternoon session from 12:02 to 3:40 p.m.
ECSE Peer Models
Additionally, ECSE classrooms include peer models—students who do not qualify for other early childhood programs but can support social development within the classroom. Based on screening data, peer model seats are available to children of Hallsville staff and other students who will be at least four years old by July 31 and entering kindergarten the following year. Five peer model seats are available in the morning class and five in the afternoon class.
Please complete the Hallsville Early Childhood Screening & Interest Form to apply for our early childhood programs. Completing this form alerts the Hallsville School District of your interest in our Early Childhood Programs. Someone will be in contact with you in the next 7-10 days to schedule a screening for your child.
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The Full-Day Preschool Program serves children who will be at least 4 years old by July 31 and will be entering kindergarten the following year. Enrollment is limited to 15 students, and children must qualify through a screening and evaluation process and meet Free & Reduced Lunch Guidelines. This program provides a developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum aligned with the Missouri Early Learning Standards. Transportation is not provided.
Please complete the Hallsville Early Childhood Screening & Interest Form to apply for our early childhood programs. Completing this form alerts the Hallsville School District of your interest in our Early Childhood Programs. Someone will contact you within the next 7-10 days to schedule a screening for your child.