Putnam Early Learning Program

Spring Greetings, Families!

As we step into the vibrant season of growth and renewal, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress our young learners have made this year. Watching their curiosity blossom and their confidence flourish has been truly inspiring. Thank you for entrusting us with the joy of guiding your children’s early learning journey.

Spring is a time of exploration and discovery, and we are excited to continue nurturing your child’s imagination and skills through engaging activities, outdoor learning, and collaborative experiences. Together, we’re not just planting the seeds of knowledge, but also the values of kindness, resilience, and a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

We’re so grateful for your partnership and ongoing support. Your involvement—whether through participating in school events, reading together at home, or simply encouraging your child to embrace new challenges—makes all the difference.

Wishing your family a season filled with warmth, growth, and plenty of shared moments to cherish. Let’s make this spring one of wonder and continued success!

With gratitude,

Christel H. Nelson

Happy March! 🌷 As we welcome the new month, we also embrace the changing weather. Here are a few friendly reminders to help your family adjust:

Layer Up: March can bring unpredictable weather, so dressing in layers will keep your child comfortable throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated: With the warmer days approaching, it's important to remind your child to drink plenty of water.
Allergy Season: Spring is in the air, and so are allergens. If your child has allergies, please ensure they have their necessary medications.

Fun Fact About March: Did you know that March was named after Mars, the Roman god of war? In ancient Rome, March marked the beginning of the military campaign season!

We hope you and your family enjoy the beautiful changes that March brings. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

March is here and that means that spring is coming. Our children have grown so fast and learned so much, it's amazing to see the wonderful changes in them! We couldn't be more proud of our students and teachers! Child Progress Reports were sent home the 3rd week of February, documenting each student’s readiness skills and included family practice recommendations for building individual skill sets.If you have questions or concerns about your child progress please request to schedule a conference with his/her teacher.

2026-2027 Pre-Registration is Now Open!

The 2026–2027 Pre‑Registration for Head Start and Pre‑K Is Now Open!

The Putnam County Early Learning Program serves 280 preschool children each year.

Apply Online: Child must be 3 or 4 on or before September 1st.

All NEW 3‑year‑old students

Pre-Register online in ChildPlus

All NEW 4-year-old students

Pre-Register online in both ChildPlus & Infinite Campus

All required documents listed below must be submitted for your application to be complete.

Need help? Call 706‑485‑8081.

ChildPlus Student Pre-Application

Infinite Campus New Student Registration

The Putnam County Early Learning Program is committed to providing quality service that is effective in meeting the needs of children and families. Parent opinions and suggestions regarding various parts of the total program are essential in helping to identify and satisfy individual family needs. Click the button to share your opinion.

Parent Opinion Survey

Upon enrolling in Head Start, parents were asked to have dental and medical screenings completed on their child. If your child’s dentist or doctor suggested follow-up treatment, please provide the Family Service with proof of a follow –up treatment; please provide the Family Service with appointment by April 15, 2026. Expect the Family Service Staff to remind you to set an appointment if your child needs a follow-up visits. OUR GOAL WITH YOUR HELP, IS TO HAVE 100% OF OUR FOLLOW-UP VISITS COMPLETED BY APRIL 30, 2026, THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR

Head Start Class Spolight: Ms. Farley & Ms. Finnan

Our students enjoyed a creative art activity that helped them explore weather concepts while practicing important early learning skills. After reading It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles Shaw, students created their own cloud art. They folded construction paper with a blob of white paint inside and then opened it to discover unique cloud shapes. This activity was fun and expressive, it also had meaningful learning behind it.This activity also introduced early science concepts, such as how clouds can look different in shape and size.

Head Start Class Spotlight: Ms. Norris & Mrs. Tew

In our classroom today, the children took part in a hands-on science activity designed to spark curiosity and creativity. We explored how colors move and mix by using simple materials like washable markers, water, and coffee filters. As the children added water and watched the colors spread and blend across the filters, they were able to observe real-time changes and make predictions about what might happen next. This activity not only made science fun and engaging, but it also supported important early learning skills. It was a joyful learning experience that allowed them to explore, create, and discover—all through play.

Pre-K Class Spolight: Mrs. Allistion, Mrs. Tucker, & Mrs. Droltz

In our class we have been working with ten frames to practice counting and recognizing numbers. The children rolled a dice, counted the dots, and then filled their ten frames to match the number they rolled. After that, they used the same number to create their own patterns with colors, giving them a fun way to express creativity while building math skills.

This engaging activity helped students strengthen their number recognition, counting skills, and understanding of quantity. They were so proud as they counted carefully, matched the dots to the correct number, and designed colorful patterns. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they learned through hands-on, playful exploration.

Pre-K Class Spotlight: Mrs. Gooden & Ms. Miller

Our class helped make their own playdough by measuring and mixing flour, salt, water, and food coloring. This multisensory activity supported early math skills through counting and measuring, built science understanding as they observed texture changes, and encouraged vocabulary development with words like mix, knead, soft, and smooth. Afterward, students used ABC playdough mats to knead, squeeze, pinch, and roll—building finger strength and fine motor skills.

A Special Visit From a Future Early Childhood Teacher

Putnam County High School and Central Georgia Tech have asked us to host their Early Childhood Education Dual Enrollment students. These are Putnam students who have chosen the ECE Career Pathway, and we are honored that they’ve selected PCPSELP to be a part of their educational journey. Over the course of a few weeks these students arrived ready to learn and be hands on in the ECE field. One our classes received a heartwarming surprise visit from Atenea Garcia, who was one of the attending Putnam County High School Dual Enrollment students. As she is preparing for graduation, she returned to her assigned early childhood classroom to share a meaningful activity with our students; a project she will carry with her on her next big milestone. She brought her graduation stole and invited the children to place their handprints on it, creating a beautiful keepsake she will proudly wear on graduation day. Each tiny handprint represents the inspiration, joy, and passion that helped guide her toward her dream of becoming an early childhood teacher. We are incredibly proud of her and all of our future graduates for following their dreams and staying connected to the place where they first began. Watching her give back to the classroom that sparked her passion is a powerful reminder of the impact early education can have. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful things she will achieve as she continues her journey in the field of early childhood education.

Read Across America Week

Read Across America Week is a special celebration that encourages children to develop a love for reading. Throughout the week, our pomgram enjoyed themed dress‑up days, guest readers, fun literacy activities, and stories from a variety of authors. Students explored new books, build early literacy skills, and discover how reading can take them anywhere. We were excited to share this inspiring week with our families and look forward to seeing our little learners shine as growing readers!