Hope Public Schools hosted the Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee this morning to promote their ABC Pre-K. Refreshments were served as HPS staff and members of the community gathered to visit about all the wonderful opportunities the Pre-K has to offer.

The Pre-K is located at Clinton Primary School, teaches ages 3-4 and is completely free for parents. Director Lyndsi Easterling said, "We are on hall nine at CPS. If you go through the car line, we are right there. We are trying to get our name out there to remind people how important preschool is for children to be ready to start kindergarten. We have seen a drop in enrollment since Covid, and we want parents to know that our facilities are clean. We are prepared to keep their precious ones safe."

She went on to talk about other aspects of enrollment: "It is income based, but the income level has gone up so much most people will qualify, and we work with people to help get them in."

It is an Arkansas Better Chance play-based learning atmosphere, funded by the state. Children get free breakfast, lunch, snacks and have an hour-long recess as well as nap time. They are an all day pre-k, Monday-Thursday, 7 am -3pm.

Pre-K teacher Kimberly Hernandez spoke about qualifications to teach at the school, "We have certified staff, a percentage of our teachers are certified with degrees and masters so it sets our school district apart from other districts that have pre-k schools."

Director of the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Christy Burns said, "It is lovely that we have a pre-k in Hope School District that is completely free to the public. They have been going strong for 32 years, and I know this year will be no different."

For more information about Hope Public Schools ABC Pre-k, call 870-722-2705 or visit them at 601 Lakeshore Drive.