Monroe County, Florida – Thanks to strong public backing of the Monroe County Community School Corporation’s (MCCSC) 2023 tax referendum, families in the district are seeing unprecedented access to early childhood education programs. As of fall 2025, more than twice the number of MCCSC families can enroll their children in 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Pre-K programs, whether at MCCSC schools or through partner providers. The majority of these programs are now offered at little or no cost to families, marking a major step forward in early learning accessibility across the county.
Prior to the referendum, only 262 students were able to participate in these programs. Following the passage of the 2023 referendum, that number has risen to 526 children enrolled in either the 3-Year-Old Preschool or 4-Year-Old Pre-K programs. The dramatic increase reflects the community’s commitment to early education and its recognition of the importance of preparing children for success in school and life.
“This school year we have already seen the benefits of expanding family access to preschool,” said MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the 2023 referendum continues to benefit children, families, and our community. Early learning programs not only benefit children—we continue to hear from parents and guardians that they can increase their employment once their children start school. We are deeply grateful to our community for making this possible.”
For many families, the benefits go beyond education. Kelsey Roberts, a mother whose son recently began preschool, shared how the program has brought financial relief to her household.
“It is a wonderful program, and I’m absolutely blessed to be able to not only help my child but to help my family also,” said Roberts. “I am the sole provider for my family, so it has helped me be able to work more. Before, I was only able to work a few days a week, and now I can work every day. It’s also easier because [before preschool], my husband would watch our son during the day and now he can go out and do odd jobs.”
The referendum has made it possible for 100% of families with children enrolled in 4-Year-Old Pre-K programs to attend for free or at half cost or less. Additionally, approximately 75% of families whose children participate in 3-Year-Old Preschool are attending without paying tuition. These measures ensure that financial constraints no longer prevent families from accessing high-quality early education.
Early learning programs in MCCSC not only provide academic preparation but also foster essential social and emotional skills. Children engage with the Creative Curriculum, a research-based program that emphasizes learning through exploration, creative play, and hands-on activities.
“My son loves it and we love it,” said Roberts. “He loves sharing and he’s a good class leader. It’s awesome for him to interact with children his age. His teacher, Ms. Ryan, has been absolutely wonderful with him. It’s never too early to start them on learning.”
The expansion of these programs follows findings from MCCSC’s 2022-23 Referendum Impact Report, which detailed how taxpayer-approved funding has supported improvements across four areas, including early learning. In the 2024-25 school year, the referendum allowed the district to increase access to the 4-Year-Old Pre-K program, and this year, access has expanded to 3-Year-Old Preschool, providing more families with opportunities to participate.
“Thank you to our community for making this investment in local families and their children’s futures,” said Winston, highlighting the significance of continued public support.
Enrollment for 3-Year-Old Preschool and 4-Year-Old Pre-K programs is ongoing at MCCSC locations and through partner providers, including Indiana University, Compass Early Learning Center, Penny Lane Child Care, New Hope Early Learning Center, Bloomington Developmental Learning Center, and the Bloomington Center for Global Children. Families are encouraged to learn more and register online at earlylearning.mccsc.edu.
Eligibility criteria ensure that the programs reach children at the right developmental stage. MCCSC’s 4-Year-Old Pre-K program is open to students who turned four years old by August 1, 2025. Through the 2023 Referendum, all MCCSC families, regardless of income, qualify for at least $4,000 in assistance toward the full $8,000 tuition cost, with many families qualifying for even greater support. Meanwhile, the 3-Year-Old Preschool program is open to children who turned three years old by August 1, 2025, with families earning 225% or less of the federal poverty level qualifying for free tuition.
Beyond expanding access, these programs are designed to build strong foundations for children before they enter kindergarten. Students benefit from structured learning that balances exploration, social interaction, and creative play, helping them develop critical cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Early exposure to these experiences has been shown to improve long-term academic outcomes and prepare children for a smoother transition into formal schooling.
Parents, educators, and community leaders agree that the benefits extend well beyond the classroom. By allowing parents to return to the workforce, pursue additional employment opportunities, or balance family responsibilities, these programs strengthen families and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
Roberts’ experience illustrates this impact firsthand. With her son enrolled in preschool, she can now maintain full-time employment while knowing her child is receiving high-quality early education. “It is a wonderful program, and I’m absolutely blessed to be able to not only help my child but to help my family also,” she said.
The 2023 tax referendum represents a significant step in Monroe County’s commitment to investing in its youngest residents. By doubling family access to preschool and pre-K programs, MCCSC has ensured that no child is left behind due to financial constraints. The programs’ success demonstrates the power of community support and targeted public investment in shaping educational opportunities that benefit both children and their families.
Families interested in enrolling their children in MCCSC early learning programs can visit earlylearning.mccsc.edu for detailed information and registration. For more information about the broader impact of the MCCSC referenda, including benefits to other areas of the district, residents can visit mccsc.edu/referenda.
With the continued support of the community, Monroe County is laying the groundwork for a generation of children who are academically prepared, socially confident, and ready to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. The expansion of early learning access stands as a clear example of how local investment can transform opportunities and create meaningful, lasting change for families.
