135 COBURN ROAD
TYNGSBOROUGH, MA
01879
TEL: 978-649-6071
FAX: 978-649-4995

Preschool

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, 2007. 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 2008 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

A progress report will be sent home twice per year in January and June. In addition, parent/teacher conferences are scheduled during the year or can be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time.

Preschool Entrance Policy
Children who turn three or four prior to September 1, 2007 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 2008 tuition payment.

Preschool First Day of School
Orientation to the school and classrooms will be held during the first week of school in August. In late June you will receive a letter with a date and time to come in to meet your child’s teacher.

Preschool Transportation
Parents are responsible for transportation to and from school. Please check the school calendar for holidays and vacations. Please do not have parent-teacher conferences when you are picking up or dropping off your child. Your child’s teacher will gladly schedule another time when she can focus on your questions and concerns.

Arrival/Dismissal
Promptness in arrival and dismissal is critical. When children arrive at school late, it is difficult for them to make the transition into the classroom. Typically, the atmosphere of the room is busier and the other children have already become involved in activities. This can make separation difficult. Being timely in the morning also allows for parents and staff to share information without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Arriving on time for pick up is just as important. A parent who is late often finds a child who is angry, anxious or concerned. Additionally, staff members are usually assigned a lunch duty for which they must be prompt. A fee will be charged for late pick-ups. Please see fees and tuition.

Toilet-Training
Children must be toilet-trained in order to attend any of our preschool programs. We do not have easy access to changing facilities from the classrooms. If we find a child is not trained upon starting in September, you will be notified that your child will not be allowed to return until trained. We will hold your spot for up to 3 months in order to make for an easier transition upon your child’s return.

Immunizations
There are state mandated health immunization requirements for your child to enter preschool. A current physical examination is also required. Be sure to make your appointment early with your child’s physician, as all health requirements are due before your child can attend school. Please forward all completed health requirements to: Tyngsborough Early Childhood Center, 135 Coburn Road, Tyngsborough, MA 01879.

Preschool Registration Fee
A non-refundable fee of $35 will be collected at registration. This fee will be returned to you only if your child is not selected for a program. Health records and emergency forms will be filled out after the children have been selected.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition is due on the first of each month. Tuition rates are determined yearly and based on 10 months. Holidays and vacations are factored into this rate, therefore no further adjustments will be made during the year. The first non-refundable deposit/payment is due within 30 days after the child’s acceptance to secure your spot. Tuition payments will be due the 1st of each month beginning with September and ending with May. The deposit will be credited towards the June 2008 payment. Checks may be mailed to the Tyngsborough Early Childhood Center (135 Coburn Road, Tyngsborough, MA 01879) or brought to the office. Please make checks payable to: Tyngsboro Student Revolving Fund (TSRF). A stamp is available in the office to stamp your check with the initials. Tuition checks returned for insufficient funds will result in a $25 fee or 1% of the check (whichever is greater) to cover the charges incurred from our bank.

Late Fees
Late tuition payments will accrue a late charge of $5.00 per day, for each day beyond the seventh of the month in which it is due. The Tyngsborough School Department reserves the right to discontinue a child’s enrollment if tuition and fees are not paid in a timely fashion. In order for the TECC to continue to provide preschool services, all programs must be self-supporting.

Late Pick-Up Fees
Our late charges are as follows:
--- $10.00 fine for the first 10 minutes
--- $1.00 fine for each additional minute

We understand circumstances may arise that delay your arrival, however, after the 3rd occurrence you will be billed the additional fee for the time beyond your child’s schedule. The Tyngsborough School Department reserves the right to discontinue a child’s enrollment if late pick-ups are a continual occurrence.

The tuition collected pays the staff and helps fund visiting performers, field trips and other enrichment programs. It is critical from a financial point of view that monthly payments are made on time. A two-week notice must be given to withdraw your child from the program.