ELIGIBILITY

A child is eligible for free prekindergarten if they are four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year and meets one of the seven criteria listed below. A district may offer (but is not required to offer) a three-year-old program to eligible children, and the same criteria would apply. Age is always calculated as of September 1, of the current school year (for purposes of establishing eligibility). Therefore, a child is eligible for enrollment in prekindergarten if at least three years of age and:

1. Is unable to speak and comprehend the English language;
2. Is economically disadvantaged (which means a student who is eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program);
3. Is homeless;
4. Is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States;
5. Is the child of a member of the armed forces who was injured or killed while on active duty;
6. Is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care) following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or
7. Is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as:
1. a peace officer under Section 3106.002, Government Code;
2. a firefighter under Section 3106.003, Government Code; or
3. an emergency medical first responder under Section 3106.004, Government Code