Pre-kindergarten at Edgecomb Eddy School is still far from a done deal, but early feedback on the idea has Dean of Students Lisa Clarke encouraged about its prospects.

“The feedback has all been very favorable,” Clarke said November 29.

In October, Clarke announced that pre-K was being considered for the 2014-2015 school year. Several weeks later, there appear to be six families who would enroll their children, and others interested whose children would be the right age in the 2015-2016 year.

Interested parents are favoring a full-day program, Clarke said.

To be eligible for pre-kindergarten next fall, children who live in Edgecomb would need to turn 4 by October 15, 2014.

Students from other towns could also be considered, Clarke said.

Clarke didn't cite a minimum number of students for the program to happen. One option that may be looked at is a combined, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten class, she said.

More parents might decide to enroll their children once there has been a final decision on the program, Clarke said.

“I'm a firm believer that if you build it, they will come.”

The school has room for the program, but Clarke would need to figure any staffing, supplies and other costs into next year's budget proposal.

The benefits of pre-kindergarten are numerous, according to Clarke: It can help bump up enrollment and attract families looking to move to a town that offers it; and it helps prepare children emotionally and socially for school, she said.

In addition, the earlier a child starts on the path to literacy, the better, Clarke said.

Clarke is asking any parents interested in pre-kindergarten at Edgecomb Eddy to call the school at 207-882-5515.