Pre-Kindergarten

Taking the First Big Step Toward Student Success

Sending your child to school for the first time—especially at age four—can be one of the most emotional steps a parent takes. The backpack looks too big. The goodbye feels too long. And even when you know it’s the right choice, it’s normal to feel nervous.

Stacey DeHoyos, Director of Pre-K in EMS ISD and Hafley Development Center Principal, understands that hesitation.

“I can definitely understand that sending your little one of to school at such an early age can make you feel nervous,” she said.

But families don’t make that transition alone. “Wd have teachers that are trained specifically in early childhood education. They are trained to help not only students, but families to feel comfortable bringing children to school,” DeHoyos added.

For parent Yarelis Maldonado, enrolling her son Isaac, a 4-year old Pre-K student at Hafley Development Center, was about giving him the support she knew he needed.

“He is very shy, quiet, she said. “And he is friendly, playful and respectful.”

Still, she wanted him to grow more confident using his voice. “The reason I decided to put him in PreK was because I felt like he needs to communicate.”

That’s one of the biggest benefits of Pre-K. Children learn how to be part of a classroom community. They practice listening, sharing, and communicating needs with teachers and peers. Maldonado has seen that growth in Isaac.

“Pre-K has been good for him because one, he is learning while playing, improving motor skills,” she said. “Also, he is learning how to share with other friends, listening, following rules from the classroom and slowly, surely trying to be independent.”

Those daily routines like lining up, making choices, and working with classmates build the skills children need for kindergarten. And, just as important, Pre-K helps students develop confidence and independence at a pace that feels safe and encouraging.

For Maldonado, the clearest sign that Pre-K is working is Isaac’s joy.

“He just loves school,” she shared. “He’s always waking up on time in the morning, getting ready…and he’ll ‘say, mom, mom, guess what? We’re going to be doing this in school. We are learning this. We are learning that,’ so, I know he’s ready.”

DeHoyos says that readiness—academic and social—is exactly what high-quality Pre-K programs are designed to build.

“Being a part of a high-quality early childhood program not only serves to intervene and prepare students for school but also services to help students achieve above and beyond,” she said.

Pre-K is a big step—for children and for parents. When your child starts waking up excited, eager to learn—you’ll know it was absolutely the right thing to do!

Apply Now! Space is Limited! EMS ISD New Student Enrollment Opens March 23, 2026.

How to enroll in EMS-ISD Pre-K
“Enrolling in Pre-K in EMS ISD is as easy as completing the online application in the Students Family Access account,” DeHoyos explained. “And then a registrar will reach out to you, welcome you to the campus, and collect the necessary documents.”