School Readiness
Preston School Readiness Preschool Program
Preston created the School Readiness Preschool Program during the 2006-2007 school year with receipt of a Connecticut State Department of Education grant. The intention behind School Readiness legislation was to enable local communities to provide and sustain a high quality preschool experience for more eligible students. The Preston Board of Education and the First Selectman used these funds to open an additional preschool classroom in Preston Veterans’ Memorial School to serve eighteen 3- and 4-year old students chosen for the program through a lottery process. While all Preston families with preschool age children can apply to the program, legislation requires that 60% of families served meet income eligibility requirements. With the expansion of our preschool program, we have been able to offer a full-day preschool experience to more Preston students, ensuring that these students develop the skills and behaviors they need to successfully transition to Kindergarten. We are improving our program by aligning preschool curriculum to state and national standards and by beginning the first phase of the accreditation process developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, accreditation which stands as the hallmark of excellence in preschool education. In addition, the Preston School Readiness Council was convened to create policy and procedures which will further ensure quality programming while meeting community needs. Applications for the 2007-2008 Preston Preschool Program will be available on or about March 1st (see below). We anticipate that School Readiness grant funds will be renewed for next year, but we will also be required by legislation to charge a family share fee according to an income-based fee schedule established by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Establishing a fee collection system will enable the Preston Board of Education to sustain and enhance preschool programming once grant funds have been exhausted. Should you have any questions regarding the School Readiness Preschool Program, please contact Ivy Davis, School Readiness Grant Coordinator, at 887-3113 x115 or at davisi@prestonschools.org.
Click here to download the Application for the School Readiness Preschool (updated 3/6/08)
Click here for Application Instructions and Information (updated 3/6/08)
Click here for Proof of Residency Form (added 3/6/08)
Click here for Income Verification Form (added 3/6/08)
School Readiness Council Members:
Dr. Jack Welch, Superintendent, Preston Public Schools
Dr. Kathryn Walsh, Principal, Preston Veterans Memorial School
Ivy Davis, School Readiness Grant Coordinator
Lisa Cooney, LEARN
Darlene Laiche, Head Start
Mary Berry, Norwich Adult Education
Amy Brosnan, Preston Parks and Recreation
Jayne Perry, Preston Public Library
Preston Child Care Providers
Michelle Cormier, Preschool Teacher, PVMS
Natalie Rudyk, Preschool Teacher, PVMS
Jeff Tims, School Psychologist, PVMS