San Marcos — Preschoolers are having fun learning letters, numbers, shapes and how to write their names. These skills are also preparing them to be good learners when they go to kindergarten next year.

Three preschools in San Marcos were among 836 statewide that were recently certified as Texas School Ready!, which means these pre-k programs are offering some of the best possible early childhood education in the state, officials said.

The project was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 2005 to build quality pre-kindergarten programs with a focus on ensuring that young Texans arrive at kindergarten ready for success.

It now reaches children in more than 240 Texas communities.

Local preschools recognized include: Bonham Prekindergarten (SMCISD), Kids of the Kingdom (Lutheran Child Development Center) and Small Fries Child Care.

“States across the nation, including Texas, are supporting pre-k initiatives that promote school readiness because pre-k alone doesn’t always cut it,” Rob Eissler (R-Woodlands), chair of the House Public Education Committee, said.

“The debate has shifted toward promoting high quality pre-k because when the quality components are in place, fewer kids get referred to special education, fewer kids repeat grade levels and fewer kids drop out of school as they age through the public education system. These certified preschools are demonstrating that the taxpayer’s investment in early education is producing the intended results.”

For the third consecutive year, Texas saw the number of certified pre-k Texas School Ready! classrooms seeking this sought-after designation almost double.

The Texas School Ready Certification System focuses on high quality early learning for children with accountability for program results that is both achievable and easily demonstrated.

“Becoming certified requires the commitment and hard work of teachers, families and program administrators,” State Rep. Patrick Rose said. “These preschools are improving the quality of education for children in our community. For parents, teachers and policymakers alike, the Texas School Ready! designation takes the guess-work out of closing the achievement gap for young Texans.”

The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce also applauded the certified preschools for their success.

“We support educational measures that promise excellence so that those who eventually enter the workplace are prepared to succeed. Tomorrow’s workforce depends largely on the educational foundation we lay today, and these certified preschools are focused on the type of quality that is producing great results for students,” Phyllis Snodgrass, Chamber president, said.

Open to school district pre-k programs, licensed childcare (for-profit and non-profit) providers and Head Start centers across Texas, the School Ready Certification System links information provided by preschools with early literacy and social outcomes.