At Hanover County Public Schools, we address the needs of infants through preschoolers with programs designed to promote school readiness. We plan lessons to help every child reach his or her potential. Our available programs include Hanover’s Preschool Program, Early Childhood Special Education, and Infant and Toddler Connection of Hanover.
How To Apply for the Hanover Preschool Programs
Step 1: Fill out the online pre-application. If you have applied with our program in the past for any family member, please do not fill out an online pre-application. Please email or call Hanover Preschool at [email protected] or (804) 365-4618.
To apply for the Hanover Preschool Program, please apply online with our Hanover Preschool Program Pre-Application.
Completa la solicitud en español aquí (Spanish version).
Step 2: A member of the preschool team will contact you by phone to conduct a screening interview once the pre-application is complete. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Hanover Preschool office at (804) 365-4618.
- All Hanover County children can apply for HCPS Preschool. Some qualifications may include income and identified risk factors, or strong peer models. However, our screening process is open to students from all backgrounds.
You will need to have the following in order to process your application:
- Three current verifications of residency - One form must be a signed current lease (notarized if not through an apartment complex), a deed, a current mortgage statement from the lender, or a sales contract for the purchase of the residence (signed by seller and purchaser). And two of the following: current bill for land-line telephone, cable, internet, satellite, water, gas/oil or electricity service; voter registration card; current automobile registration card; W-2 tax document for the most recent tax year; a combined bill and paid receipt for personal property taxes paid within the current year; bank statements, medical bills, or official correspondence from a governmental agency dated within the last two months
- Income Verification - (Completed taxes, 3 months of your most recent paystubs, W-2, official letter from your employer, SSI notification, TANF notification, Child Support Order, and a few other legal forms of documentation may be considered)
- Official Birth Certificate
- Child's medical insurance card
- Current physical
- IEP (if applicable)
- Custody Papers (if applicable)
Some additional documents may be required. A Hanover Preschool office staff member will reach out to you with additional information.
Hanover Preschool Programs
Hanover Preschool Programs are early childhood development programs open to three- and four-year-old children who meet eligibility requirements. We have designed this program to promote a child's school readiness skills and social competencies through attention to health (medical, dental, and mental), education, family support, community collaboration, and parental involvement. The program is funded through federal (Head Start), state (Virginia Preschool Initiative), and local funds. Located throughout the county, we have 19 preschool classrooms, staffed with a teacher and instructional assistant(s).
Mission Statement
Hanover Preschool will provide a program of education and comprehensive services that enriches and empowers the lives of children, families, and our community.
Program Goals
The goals of the program include the following:
- Provide a well-managed program that meets federal and state guidelines, delivers services in the most effective and efficient manner, and reflects high-quality services to children and families.
- Provide a child-centered education program that promotes optimal development and learning for enrolled children and gives them the tools necessary for school success.
- Deliver support services to children that focus on comprehensive growth and development.
- Provide a smooth and effective transition into the preschool program and from preschool to kindergarten for children and families.
- Develop strong partnerships with community resources that enhance the effectiveness of the program's service to children and families.
- Provide opportunities for parents to achieve self-fulfillment and develop leadership skills.
- Develop effective collaborations within the community, which enhance the healthy growth and development of all children and families.
- Promote the maximum and efficient use of all available funding sources to serve the maximum number of eligible preschool children possible.
Education Services
Hanover Preschool is a comprehensive early childhood education program that has been specifically designed to prepare children for success in school by enhancing preschool children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Young children learn through purposeful and engaging interaction with materials and their environment. Hanover Preschoolers use a variety of materials, equipment, and technology throughout each day to expand their knowledge and skills in both indoor and outdoor classrooms. Research-based best practices develop healthy problem-solving, social-emotional, and school readiness skills. Hanover Preschool promotes the growth and development of preschool children and strengthens family members for their roles as parents. Learn more about our Education Services.
Family Services
The Hanover Preschool Family Services Specialist (FSS) assists families in identifying family strengths, assessing needs, and identifying appropriate community resources. The specialist helps families set family goals and develop a plan for meeting these goals. The specialist will contact families regularly to work on their goals and to check the overall status of the family. The Family Services Specialist works with the entire family—not just the student!
Referrals for family counseling, winterization, clothing, food stamps, adult education, family literacy services, and emergency shelter are some of the services for which families can receive assistance. Please contact our office if you need a referral or assistance.
Health Services
A comprehensive health care program is an important part of Hanover’s Preschool. This includes medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early detection of health problems in families. A Health and Human Services Advisory Committee, consisting of professionals, parents, and staff, meets quarterly to plan and ensure that the health needs of children and their families are met. Services for children with disabilities are provided as outlined in the child's IEP. Learn more about our Health Services.
Parent Involvement
We believe that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. The family and community have a powerful impact on the child’s growth and development. Therefore, parent and community involvement is essential to the success of Hanover Preschool Programs. Parent suggestions, concerns, and opinions are greatly valued. Hanover Preschool’s goal is to help families make positive changes for themselves and their children. Involvement is the first step.
Parents can:
- Participate in the classroom as observers or volunteers
- Plan and implement meaningful activities for parents
- Contact other parents about upcoming events or activities
- Participate in the process of making decisions about the nature and operation of the program by becoming active in monthly Policy Council meetings
- Serve on a Hanover Preschool Initiative Advisory Committee
Locations
Battlefield Park Elementary School
5501 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Mechanicsville, VA. 23111
(804) 723-3600
Teacher: Mederise Padilla
Aides: Lynn Yacovone & Dana Grindstaff
Teacher: Meghan Byrd
Aides: Jackie Snidarich & Karissa Kirby
Cold Harbor Elementary School
6740 Cold Harbor Road
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 723-3620
Teacher: Caroline Furey
Aide: Chavon Coley
Teacher: Anne Culley
Aides: Samantha Cumby & Tanya Whitaker
Elmont Elementary School
12007 Cedar Lane
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 365-8100
Teacher: Lydia Gardner
Aide: Sue Wilson
Teacher: Emma Oliver
Aides: Laura Hurd & Kelly Williford
Henry Clay Elementary School
310 South James Street
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 365-8120
Teacher: Katie Tyler
Aide: Glenda Hertless
Teacher: Natalia Heffinger
Aide: Morgan Boyd
Teacher: Julie Rixner
Aide: Hamida Stwodah
Teacher: Michelle Maxey
Aides: Elise Pyron & Zobia Mahmood
Teacher: Susie Pypniowski
Aides: Tammy Williamson & Rachel Boggess
Laurel Meadow Elementary School
8248 Lee-Davis Road
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 723-2040
Teacher: Alyssa Brock
Aide: Julie Mousser
Teacher: Rachel Jones
Aides: Sarah Suttles & Karen Wandling
Mechanicsville Elementary School
7425 Mechanicsville Elementary Drive
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 723-3640
Teacher: Angela Hoggan
Aide: Kate Hall
Teacher: Emily Wedlock
Aide: Kathy Wilmoth
Teacher: Naomi Edmunds
Aide: Elizabeth Farrell
Teacher: Mackenzie Wood
Aide: Stephanie Gump & Rachel Linder
Washington-Henry Elementary School
9025 Washington Henry Drive
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
(804) 723-2300
Teacher: Kathi Sanford
Aides: Susan Blackburn & Elaine Cliborne
Teacher: Mekayla Green
Aides: Candice Gilbert & Nancy Shuck
Annual Report
Please view our most recent Annual Report.
Contact
Hanover Preschool Programs
Tel: (804) 365-4618
Fax: (804) 365-4633
- Elizabeth Verlander - Coordinator of Preschool, (804) 365-4508 or email at [email protected]
- María Cotty-Mercado - Family Services Specialist, (804) 365-4510 or email at [email protected]
- Ta Wanda Woody - Student & Family Services Specialist, (804) 365-4638 or email at [email protected]
- Peggy James - Federal Account Specialist , (804) 365-4506 or email at [email protected]
- Brooke Robinson - Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist, (804) 723-0639 or email at [email protected]
Early Childhood Special Education
Early Childhood Special Education provides specialized instruction and related services to all children ages 2 through 5, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). ECSE ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to all children who are found eligible at no cost to their families. The LRE means children with disabilities receive services in community-based environments whenever possible, and only receive services in a more restrictive environment when their individual needs require it. Services are based on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which is developed in collaboration with HCPS staff members and the parents of each child eligible for early childhood special education services. If eligible, HCPS provides a continuum of special education instructional services.
HCPS provides ECSE services within children’s homes, community preschools, and through preschool classrooms located within our elementary schools. Class-based ECSE services are language-based with an emphasis on motor, cognitive (pre-academic), communication, social and emotional, and adaptive skills development. Some of our early childhood special education classrooms provide the opportunity for young students with disabilities to receive specialized instruction alongside their typically-developing peers. This model is referred to as, Reverse Inclusion Pre-K (RIPK).
Our Services
- Specialized Instruction to address child’s IEP goals
- Parent training
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupation Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Vision services
- Hearing services
- Transportation
Contact
- Kristina Williams, Lead Teacher Specialist Elementary Special Education,
(804) 365-4535 or email at [email protected]
- Tiffany Johnson, Senior Teacher of Early Childhood Special Education, email at [email protected]
Learn more about Early Childhood Special Education in Virginia.
Infant and Toddler Connection of Hanover
Parents are often the first to know when their baby needs a helping hand. The first three years of your baby's life are very important. Infants and toddlers are learning to walk, talk, recognize people and do many other things. Parents are often the first to notice when their child is not learning or growing like other babies. We are here to help.
The Infant and Toddler Connection of Hanover (ITCH) delivers services that are child-centered and family-focused in a natural environment to children with developmental needs, from birth through age three. Families wishing to find out more information about Early Intervention Services, please visit our Infant & Toddler Connection of Hanover page.
Contact
- Bobbi Silverstein, Part C Coordinator/System Manager, (804) 723-2070 or email at [email protected]