Old Saybrook schools panel piloting expansion of early childhood program

Old Saybrook Old Saybrook Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media File Photo Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media File Photo Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Old Saybrook schools panel piloting expansion of early childhood program 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

OLD SAYBROOK — The town’s Board of Education voted Jan. 14 to pilot the first year of a possible three-year Early Childhood Program expansion to qualifying 3- and 4-year-old students.

It would also serve as a publicly available preschool program for all Old Saybrook residents, according to a press release.

The proposed expansion will include lower student tuition for peers and add approximately 10 new seats to the existing program, as well as an additional preschool section at Kathleen E. Goodwin Elementary. Tuition was set by the Board of Education at $3,450 for the 2020-21 academic year, a decrease from the current $4,440 cost for the 2019-20 academic year, the release said.

“A typical day involves indoor and outdoor play, small and whole group instruction, center time, snack, lunch and nap. In this setting, young children learn from each other in a comprehensive program that addresses the unique needs of the special education students and celebrates the growth and development of all students,” Kathy Bai, director of Pupil and Professional Services, said in a prepared statement.

The child-centered curriculum includes participation in all of Goodwin’s specials, such as physical education, music, library, art and technology, as well as school-wide cultural arts activities. All early childhood classrooms are staffed by certified teachers, para-educators, speech, and occupational and physical therapists. Goodwin’s school psychologist, counselor and social worker are also available for students and their families, according to the district.

The Early Childhood Program expansion aims at providing preschool for more 4-year-old children in Old Saybrook at low or no cost to families through a phased-in program over three years. While the Board of Education has not yet committed to the second and third year of the proposed expansion, the proposal received unanimous support to begin the first year of the proposal as a pilot, after which time, the program will be re-evaluated for viability in years two and three, the release concluded.

To sign up, or to learn about program eligibility, contact Lara Stack at 860-395-3165.