The Warren County R-III School District renewed its contract with Youth in Need and received its annual update regarding the services in the district.While the district will continue to work with Youth in Need, the structure and placement of the program will look different moving forward.The cooperation between the R-III and Youth in Need has created a prekindergarten program at no cost to families in the district. The new agreement will be in effect from July 1 to June 30, 2018.“We love the work they’re doing and the service they provide,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Chandler. “It’s been very beneficial for our kindergarten program.”Increase in enrollment and potential overcrowding at Daniel Boone Elementary has caused Youth in Need to vacate one of its learning spaces in that facility.The program will now provide services for three classrooms — one in each of the elementary buildings.In the past, Youth in Need had two classrooms at Daniel Boone Elementary.“Due to increased enrollment and reconfiguration of Daniel Boone’s main office, they needed that classroom back,” explained Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jill Schowe.“Our hope in the future is to maybe get that classroom back someplace in the district and see how we can be creative,” added Chandler.The Rebecca Boone and Warrior Ridge classrooms will primarily consist of students going to kindergarten and will provide a strong kindergarten readiness focus in alignment with creative curriculum, according to a release from the district.The third classroom at Daniel Boone will be available for all 3 year olds, but will also allow 4- and 5-year-olds who have either never been in a preK program or will not be attending kindergarten in the upcoming school year.“We have tried to have the students go to the building they would actually attend for kindergarten,” said Schowe. “We have found it’s been very beneficial to make sure our kindergarteners are school ready. When they come they’re already familiar with PBIS, the building, playground how the lunch system works.”Throughout all the classrooms there will be 21 spots available for children eligible for Head Start and up to 31 spots open for children throughout the community.Youth in Need