Rutherford County Schools Preschool

08/27/2026

07/01/2026

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🦅Just a reminder for new parents of the upcoming 2026-2027 school year....

If you were contacted and scheduled for parent orientation over the summer, ALL orientations are held at the Carver Center, 141 Carver St. Spindale, NC 28160.

Thank you!

06/18/2026

🌟 Testimonial Thursday 🌟

At Rutherford County Schools, we know that learning begins long before kindergarten. Our Preschool Program provides young learners with a strong foundation through engaging experiences, nurturing environments, and dedicated educators who help children develop the skills they need to thrive.

Rutherford County Schools is committed to investing in our students from the very beginning because strong starts lead to bright futures.

06/17/2026

🌟 Why RCS? Wednesday 🌟

At Rutherford County Schools, we know that a strong start makes all the difference.

Our RCS Preschool Program provides a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment where children learn, grow, and thrive. From building early literacy and math skills to developing social-emotional confidence, our youngest learners receive the support they need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond.

💚 Why families choose RCS Preschool:
✅ Kindergarten readiness
✅ Social and emotional development
✅ Healthy meals and snacks
✅ Health and developmental screenings
✅ Family support services
✅ Safe, caring learning environments

We proudly offer preschool opportunities through NC Pre-K, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs, helping ensure every child has access to a high-quality early learning experience.

Because at RCS, learning doesn't start in kindergarten, it starts with a strong foundation.

To inquire about registration, go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwibKQhtuvxfquIrqzdfIDN0KoWtXvs8HiH21pRzemuokm8w/viewform
📞 Learn more: (828) 286-3901
📍 141 Carver Street, Spindale, NC 28160

06/16/2026

TRANSPARENCY TUESDAY | What does the research say about prekindergarten — and why does it matter?

There is a window.

Researchers who study child development will tell you that the years before kindergarten are unlike any other period in a child's life. The brain is growing faster, forming connections more rapidly, and absorbing the world more deeply than it ever will again. What happens in those years — the language a child hears, the relationships they form, the curiosity that gets encouraged or ignored — shapes everything that comes after.

That's not sentiment. That's science.

In the short term, children who participate in quality prekindergarten experiences arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. They know how to sit with a story, work alongside a friend, follow a direction, and ask a question. They recognize letters and numbers. They have words for what they feel. These may sound like small things. They are not.

In the intermediate term, those early advantages compound. Children with quality early learning experiences are more likely to read proficiently by third grade — a milestone researchers identify as one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. They are less likely to need intensive intervention. They are more likely to stay on track.

And in the long term? The research is striking. Adults who had access to quality early childhood education are more likely to graduate high school, pursue education beyond it, maintain stable employment, and contribute to their communities. The return on investment in early childhood — measured in human flourishing, not dollars — is extraordinary.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because of intentional, high-quality programs staffed by people who understand that what they do every day matters more than most of us can see in the moment.

This week, we're pulling back the curtain on prekindergarten in Rutherford County — what it looks like, who it serves, and why we believe every child deserves access to it.

The window is open. Let's make sure every family knows it.

06/16/2026

MYTH BUSTER MONDAY

MYTH: Access to quality prekindergarten programs in Rutherford County Schools is limited by strict income requirements.

FACT: The door is wider open than you might think.

RCS offers multiple early childhood options, including Early Head Start, Head Start, NC Pre-K, and private pay enrollment opportunities.

Different pathways. One shared commitment. Every child deserves a strong start.

Not sure where your family fits? Contact Rutherford County Schools and let us help you explore your options.

05/18/2026

Happy birthday HEAD START! 61 years of supporting children and families!!!

Today, we celebrate 61 years of Head Start and its impact on more than 40 million children, families, and the communities where they live.

Strong communities start with strong foundations. It’s an honor to work with Head Start to fight for every child’s chance to succeed.

04/23/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our Rutherford County Schools Preschool Teacher of the Year, Audrey Peticos 🍎📚

This recognition reflects the patience, kindness, creativity, and dedication it takes to shape young minds during such an important stage of learning. Thank you for the love and energy you pour into your students every single day—you are truly making a lasting difference!

So well deserved! 👏✨

03/30/2026