Grant funding expands Wor-Wic’s pre-kindergarten program, fulfills growing community need

SALISBURY, Md.- Wor-Wic Community College’s pre-kindergarten program is expanding thanks to over $500,000 in grant funding from the Maryland State Department of Education.

The program became part of the college’s line up last year, led by licensed certified teachers providing students with a full day of instruction.

Child Development Center staff said the focus is on developing key social and emotional skills, while also giving students a strong introduction into the world of learning.

We’re told the additional funding will allow them to open a second classroom to bring on more students. “We’ll have a total of 40 children here on campus. We were also successful at hiring a teacher and assistants for each of the classrooms,” Child Development Center Director Sandra March said.

“When we create that foundation, which is so important to the start, once they hit kindergarten or 1st grade learning becomes easier because they have those skills,” Pre-K Teacher Tina Hitchens said.

The program is currently full; however, the college does offer childcare for children ages 2 to 5 year-round and parents are encouraged to apply for available spaces.

The program is open to families who meet certain income guidelines in Wicomico County, those who’s primary language is one other than English, and have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

To find out more information about the pre-kindergarten program, you call (410)-334-2962.