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PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION

The teachers and administrators at the Early Childhood Center value learning as a life long experience. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where all students are not only accepted, but valued. By working together with the community, we strive to educate children to be respectful of themselves, their environment, and others.

The staff at the Early Childhood Center prides themselves on creating a climate where children feel comfortable taking risks and learning from the outcomes. Students at this level are offered a variety of choices to best accommodate their individual needs and the needs of their families. Starting on day one, students experience personally meaningful and individualized programs.

Our Preschool programs provide a mixed-aged experience with a variety of scheduling options for children ages three and four. These classrooms service both children with disabilities and their typically developing peers. All classrooms share the same philosophy with emphasis on the development of the “whole child” through play based and structured learning activities. Preschool programs are available on a reasonable tuition basis.

Research indicates that children with disabilities who are integrated into regular preschool programs show gains in their social interactions and language development. They learn to adapt to a group situation, to follow routines, and to participate appropriately. Through interacting with their peers, they learn the value of communication and the give-and-take of conversation.

Typically developing children, or “peer models”, also benefit from an integrated program. They learn to accept differences at an age when differences are noticed, but before prejudices have developed. Interacting with children who have a variety of needs also teaches children how to focus on the individual child and not on the disability. They learn when and how to help others, and are not uneasy offering assistance when needed. Children who participate in integrated programs grow up accepting people with disabilities as valuable members of society.

The curriculum at the Early Childhood Center is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and provides opportunities for open-ended activities and hands-on learning. Early Intervention services are provided through our affiliation with the Anne Sullivan Center. An Early Childhood Education Teacher and one or two Paraprofessionals will staff all classes. In addition, consultation and services will be provided as needed by the Early Childhood Special Education Team. This provides an opportunity for typical children to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of these professionals.

Program Options
The following mixed-aged groups service children ages 3 & 4. Children must be three years old before September 1, 2008. At the time of registration, we request that you select both a first, second and third choice of programs. Parents provide transportation for Preschool.

Parents need to bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate, up-to-date physical and immunization record and proof of residency, (i.e., a mortgage or utility bill, P&S Agreement, or real estate tax bill). Driver’s license and checks are NOT acceptable as proof of residency. A $35.00 registration fee is also required at time of registration. The June 2009 tuition payment will be required as a non-refundable deposit once you are notified of your child’s placement approximately one month after registration. Without this deposit your child’s placement will be given to another child on the waiting list. Should the number of applicants exceed the number of children that can be accommodated in our classrooms, selection will be made through a lottery system. The registration fee will be returned to those not selected. Children currently in our program must re-register each year.

Programs are subject to change pending School Committee budget review and approval.Communication and PoliciesProgress Reports

Preschool Entrance Policy
Children who turn three or four prior to September 1, 2008 are eligible for Preschool in the Tyngsborough Public Schools. Registration forms for programs are available at the Tyngsborough Early Childhood Center. Residents of Tyngsborough may register their child for any preschool schedule option. Please note, children selected can ONLY participate in one program during the school year. A commitment to pay tuition on a regular basis regardless of absences is required.

Selection by Lottery
If there are more applicants than we can accommodate in any option, selection will be made through a lottery. Children who attended a preschool program at the Early Childhood Center for a full year will be given first priority in filling spots.

Notification of Selection
At the conclusion of registration parents will be notified by mail regarding their child’s placement based on the lottery. Please allow at least three weeks after registration for your notification to arrive in the mail. The registration fee for those not selected will be returned at this time. If you accept your child’s placement, the 1st non-refundable tuition payment for June 2008 will be due within 30 days to secure your spot. Payments will be due each month from September through May. Your deposit will be applied to the June 2009 tuition payment.