Author: Corporate Edition

ENROLLING YOUR CHILD IN NPS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Children with special needs are accepted into the program after an assessment and team meeting in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If you have concerns about your child’s development and think that she/he may qualify for Special Education services, please contact the Early Childhood Office at (413) 587-1471 or email bblack@northampton-k12.us to schedule an appointment for a preschool screening.
Typically developing children are chosen through an application progress. The deadline for early acceptance is March 15th. We do accept applications after the deadline and slots will be filled or children will be placed on the waitlist until a slot becomes available. Please contact our office to request and application.
Families with children who are typically developing will be assessed a fee based on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sliding Fee Scale determined by family size and income. Fees range fro zero to $60/ week for the half-day program and $0-$120 for the full-day program.
The Northampton Public Schools will not exclude any applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual preference, or family income.

Updated October 2017

If you want to have this brochure in Spanish please call (413) 587-1471
Si le gustaria esta en Espanol, por favor, llama (413) 587-1471

NORTHAMPTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

212 MAIN STREET, ROOM 102
NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060
(413) 587-1471
earlychildhood@northampton-k12.us

NORTHAMPTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
PUBLIC PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Bridge Street School
Leeds Elementary School

For information, contact:
(413) 587-1471
earlychildhood@northampton-k12.us
northamptonschools.org/early-childhood

Northampton Public Schools Preschool

The Northampton Public School Early Childhood Centers are located at the Bridge Street School and at Leeds Elementary School. Both programs are half days, with morning and afternoon sessions of integrated preschool classes for three and four year old children who live in Northampton, Florence and Leeds. In the fall of 2016 we expanded our program to include a full-day option for 4-year old children.
The Northampton integrated preschool program includes children who are typically developing as well as those with special needs. Our preschool setting allows all children to participate to their fullest capacities in the mainstream of education. Special support services are provided within the classroom as needed.

Daily Life in Preschool

Designed to Support Growth
and Development
The classrooms are designed to support the growth and development of each child. Activities and curriculum are developed based on children’s needs and interests and guided by the Department of Early Education and Care Early Learning Standards. Our classrooms are language-rich, stimulating, supportive environments. Children learn through a wide variety of play opportunities and interactions with both peers and adults.
We enjoy sand and water play, block building, fantasy play, art projects, reading books together, singing and movement, as well as working on puzzles, turn taking and much more. We play outside every day (weather permitting) offering ride-on toys, play structures, and cooperative games. Our program emphasizes the development of social, emotional, and cooperative skills in a nurturing early educational environment.

Parent Involvement

Parents are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program and are welcome to visit the classrooms. Parents are welcome to help in the classroom, providing assistance to small group cooking or art projects. Other parents help with special events or prepare materials at home to be used in their child’s class. Each preschool class offers special family events several times during the school year. Teachers meet with families several times throughout the year to discuss their child’s progress.

Program Details

Program days: Monday-Thursday
Morning Session: 8:50 -11:20 am, M-Th
Afternoon Session: 12:30-2:50 pm, M-Th
Full Day Session: 8:50-2:50 pm, M-Th
Applications received by mid-March deadline receive priority placement
Program Accredited with the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Highly qualified certified preschool teachers
Visiting our Program: There are lots of opportunities to visit our classrooms, meet our teachers and learn about the application process. Please call to set up an appointment.
Tuition: for typically developing children, sliding scale fees are $0-60 for half day, $0-$120 for full day based on family size and income