DVIDS – News – DoDEA Americas Announces Full-Time Preschool Education to Begin at 33 Schools This August

DoDEA Americas is taking a major step toward enriching early childhood education by rolling out full-time preschool programs in 33 schools this August. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in DoDEA’s efforts to provide the highest quality education to military families and aligns with the first phase of a comprehensive three-phase plan.

As part of Phase I, 24 schools across DoDEA America will implement the Universal Preschool Program, building a strong educational foundation for the youngest learners in the military community. The effort is set to expand with the participation of 17 more schools in Phases II and III.

DoDEA has a long history of supporting military families, and this program is a testament to that dedication. While DoDEA Americas has previously offered half-day preschool to eligible families, the Universal Preschool Program marks the first time that DoDEA Americas has implemented a full-day preschool program across all of its elementary schools.

“The approval of the Universal Preschool Program underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality education to military children,” said Dr. Judith Miner, director of American Student Excellence. “Early childhood education is a critical foundation for future academic achievement, and we are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to our elementary school students.”

The importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that quality early childhood education experiences are essential for cognitive, social and emotional development. These formative years set the foundation for lifelong learning and success, which is why programs like DoDEA’s Universal Prekindergarten are beneficial and essential.

Universal preschool programs create a supportive and engaging learning environment, enhance various aspects of child development, and prepare students for a smooth transition to kindergarten.

DoDEA’s commitment to providing a world-class education to military students is reflected in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program, which, if successful, will have a profound impact on the lives of young learners, setting them on a path to academic and personal success.

Please visit our website at https://www.dodea.edu/americas for additional information about the following Phase I schools:

Camp Lejeune – Delario Elementary School
Camp Lejeune – Heroes Elementary School
Camp Lejeune – Johnson Elementary School
Camp Lejeune – Tarawa Terrace Elementary School
Cuba – WT Sampson Elementary/High School
Dahlgren – Dahlgren School
Fort Liberty – Bowley Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Devers Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Gordon Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Kimberly Hampton Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Mildred B. Poole Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Shugart Elementary School
Puerto Rico – Antilles Elementary School
Puerto Rico – Lamey School
Quantico – Crossroads Elementary School
West Point – West Point Elementary School
Fort Jackson – Pierce Terrace Elementary School
Fort Knox – Kingsolver Elementary School
Fort Knox – Van Voorhis Elementary School
Fort Moore – Edward A. White Elementary School
Fort Moore – Freddie Stowers Elementary School
Fort Moore – Herbert J. Dexter Elementary School
Fort Moore – Morris R. McBride Elementary School
Fort Stewart – Charles P. Murray Elementary School
Fort Stewart – Diamond Elementary School
Fort Stewart – Patrick L. Kessler Elementary School
Maxwell AFB – Maxwell AFB Elementary/Middle School
MCAS Beaufort – Middleton S. Elliott Elementary School