A free, Metro-operated pre-K program for low-income families is recruiting more participants and teachers

Childcare costs have ballooned while availability during the pandemic dried up. But a Metro-operated pre-K program that’s free for low-income families still has hundreds of unfilled spots.

For the first time, families on public assistance programs like SNAP and WIC are automatically eligible for Head Start. The program offers a pre-K experience at no cost to income-eligible families with children ages 3-5, including breakfast and lunch. The program is also open to children with diagnosed disabilities.

Metro Action Commission runs Head Start and works to connect families with other services as well, says communications director Lisa McCrady.

Alexis Marshall WPLN News

Students tinker with blocks and prepare play food in a Head Start classroom.

“If the parent is underemployed or not employed at all, we have a workforce division. We also, if there’s a problem paying the rent or their mortgage or utilities, we have those programs.”

McCrady says Head Start also helps families learn how to make the most of parent-teacher conferences and get involved in parent-teacher organizations later on.

“It’s just really empowering to be able to walk into meetings where you are your child’s advocate,” McCrady says.

There are still about 300 slots open for Head Start, according to McCrady. But like many schools and childcare centers around the country, the program struggles with staffing shortages.

“So overall, we have probably about 20 positions, either teacher or assistant teachers positions, that are really, really impacting the ability of many families to be able to start.”

She acknowledges the job is not easy, but says it’s incredibly rewarding.

Alexis Marshall WPLN News

Students at a Metro-run pre-K program line up to take turns down the slide at recess.

“Once a person is in the classroom environment … it becomes a part of who they are,” McCrady says, “and so you can’t help but to walk away and just have smiles (about) how you’ve impacted the life of a child.”

The program is hosting hiring events, with the next ones set for Sept. 8 and 15. McCrady says the pay is competitive, and folks with the right credentials can get hired on the spot. From there, she says they can start going through onboarding and required background checks right away.