1. Is AEECC accepting all 4-year-olds for the 2026-2027 school year?
· Yes, any child who turns 4-years-old by August 1 will be accepted into the program.
· A student must not have reached their 5th birthday by August 1.
2. In what ways can a 4-year-old qualify for free preschool services?
· A 4-year-old may qualify based on an identified disability.
· A 4-year-old may qualify if they meet eligibility requirements.
3. What if my 4-year-old does not qualify for free preschool services?
· Your child will be offered a “Preschool Payment” spot.
· A sliding scale will be used to determine the program’s tuition cost.
· The program director will consider household income and household size
to determine the tuition rate (sliding scale fee).
4. How do 3-year-olds qualify?
· A student must have reached their 3rd birthday by August 1 to begin the enrollment process.
· A 3-year-old may qualify based on an identified disability.
· A 3-year-old may qualify if they meet income eligibility requirements.
** very few 3-year-old income-eligibility spots are available**
5. What is the process for enrolling at AEECC?
· Visit the Ashland Independent Schools website and select “schools tab”
· Select “Ashland Exceptional Early Childhood Center”
· Select “enrollment tab” top right under the AEECC tab
· You will have a choice of downloading 2026/2027 application to print or
pre-application link
6. Who has to be screened?
· All new students who express interest in Ashland Exceptional Early Childhood Center.
· Retuning children DO NOT have to be screened
7. What are the documents required for enrolling my child in the AEECC program?
· Completed application (all sections must be completed, signed and dated)
· Proof of living—Utility bill (must be dated within the last 30 days)
A rental or lease agreement
· Family’s proof of income (choose one of the following documents)
income Tax, Child support document, pay stub within last 30 days,
Printed statement from employers, etc.
KTAP documentation w/ case number
SNAP card
(Additional information could be requested)
· Birth Certificate or other reliable proof of students identity and age
· Kentucky Immunization Certificate w/ a valid expiration date
· School physical w/ lead, hemoglobin, blood pressure
· Dental exam
· Vision exam by Optometrist or Ophthalmologist
· Insurance Card
8. Does my child have to be potty-trained to enroll?
· No, they do not have to be potty-trained
· AEECC will support students with potty-training
· Parents are required to send diapers, pull-ups, and wipes for potty-training.
9. What are your hours of operation?
· Full day classes—4-year-old
· 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (Breakfast, lunch and snack will be served)
· Half day classes-- 3-year-old
(morning classes 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Mon.-Fri. --breakfast and snack will be served)
(afternoon classes 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon. -Fri. —lunch and snack will be served)
10. What is teacher-to-child ratios?
· 1/10 ratio for preschool
· There will be a lead teacher and an instructional assistant in each classroom
11. What are the classroom sizes?
· 4-year-old (20 per classroom)
· 3-year-old (15 per classroom)
12. Is bus transportation provided?
· Bus transportation is provided for those within our district.
13. What supplies or materials might my family have to provide?
· A backpack (assistance will be provided for those they may need)
· No material or supplies are needed, all are provided by the AEECC program.
14. Are breakfast and lunch served daily?
· Breakfast, lunch and snack are served daily for 4-year-old classrooms
· Breakfast and lunch are served daily for 3-year-old A.M. classrooms
· Lunch and snack are served daily for 3-year-old P.M. classrooms
15. What about NTI Days and Snow Days?
· All communication regarding NTI and Snow days will be posted on the district website, the district Facebook page, local news stations, Class DoJo, the preschool website, and the preschool Facebook page.
16. Who can pick up my child?
· Only those identified on the Emergency Contact form can pick up students and get student off bus with a photo ID.
· Those picking up students must be at least 18 years old.
17. Do you have after school care?
· Yes, only for 4-year-olds attending the program.
· A daily rate of $12 is invoiced weekly
18. How can I get more information for after school care?
· Contact AEECC at 606-327-2715 for more information.
19. How payments received for the preschool payment program?
· AEECC will utilize the “Brightwheel” platform for billing and payment purposes. Once your student is enrolled in the program (4-year-old only after school program or tuition based), you will create an account after receiving an email invitation.
20. What payment plan options are available?
· Billing and invoicing will be conducted weekly through Brightwheel.
21. What are the benefits of enrolling my student at AEECC preschool program?
· AEECC is a Level 5 Kentucky All STARS program, our preschool plays a big impact on early development—early learning foundation, social-emotional growth, school readiness, language development, independence and confidence, exposure to structure and routine, early identifications of needs, along with family support and resources.
22. Does the program follow structured curriculum?
· AEECC uses the Creative Curriculum. They also supplement with, Second Steps (social-emotional), Conscious Discipline and Learning Without Tears (fine motor).
· AEECC also uses The Pyramid Model to drive our positive behavior support system with students and classrooms.
23. Who can I contact if I have questions?
· Email: michelle.kelly@ashland.kyschools.us
Janaya.oneal@ashland.kyschools.us
· Phone: 606-327-2715
· Visit our school website: www.ashland.kyschool.us