DeSoto ISD Announces Early Childhood Enrollment for the 2026–2027 School Year
By DeSoto ISD Superintendent
DeSoto ISD
https://www.desotoisd.org/
DeSoto Independent School District is excited to welcome families to enroll their children in Pre‑Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year. Families may complete online enrollment at http://www.desotoisd.org/departments/early_childhood_education to begin the registration process.
Documents Needed for Online Enrollment
To complete online enrollment, families should be prepared to upload the following documents:
- Student birth certificate
- Student Social Security card (if applicable)
- Parent/guardian government‑issued photo ID
- Current proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage)
- Immunization records
- Proof of income (if seeking eligibility for free full‑day Pre‑K)
Early Childhood Enrollment Events
In addition to online registration, DeSoto ISD will host several enrollment events to assist families with the documentation verification process. These events provide parents and guardians with opportunities to receive onsite support, meet early learning staff, explore campus spaces, and prepare their child for a strong start in Pre‑K or Kindergarten. Completing enrollment online ahead of time allows staff to verify documents more efficiently and helps streamline families’ experience at the events.
DeSoto Civic Center – Bluebonnet Room
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
These sessions are dedicated to verifying all required enrollment documents. If any additional documentation is needed beyond what families provide, staff will notify parents during the event so they can submit those items as early as possible. This ensures enrollment can be completed accurately and without delay.
Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This event will feature onsite assistance and guided tours of the campus.
If Families Cannot Attend an Event
Families who are unable to attend any of the scheduled enrollment events may request an appointment directly with the campus. Ms. Starks at Amber Terrace ECLE will share designated call hours for scheduling. Parents may call 972.274.8243 to make an appointment.
Important Note: Complete Online Enrollment First
Completing the online application before attending an event helps families move through verification more smoothly, reduces wait times, and allows staff to identify any missing documents in advance.
District Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Early Learning
Interim Superintendent Brent S. Mitchell highlighted the district’s commitment to building strong academic foundations for young learners.
“Strong early learning foundations are essential to everything that follows in a child’s academic journey,” said Mitchell. “When we invest early, we see measurable gains in literacy, numeracy, confidence, and overall achievement.”
Principal Keishla Coleman of Amber Terrace ECLE noted the value of high‑quality early learning experiences.
“At Amber Terrace, we focus on building confident, curious learners,” Coleman said. “Our programs support early literacy, math development, and social‑emotional growth to prepare scholars for long‑term success.”
Assistant Principal Crissy Peterson‑Smith reflected on the positive impact of early education.
“Early childhood is where the love of learning begins,” she said. “These events allow families to see the engaging, supportive environments we create for our youngest students.”
