Information on our updated preschool program has been posted for the 2023-2024 school year. Please join us on Wednesday February 8th at TMHS from 5:30-7:30 for our Information Session.
2023-2024 Preschool Information
Tewksbury Public Schools Preschool Programs
2023-2024
For the 2023-2024 school year, preschool programs have changed. Please refer to this document for the most up to date information.
Beginning in the fall of 2023, we are excited to announce that preschool programs will be offered at both the Heath Brook and Dewing Schools. This will allow students to attend their home school (where they will also be attending Kindergarten and First Grade).
Open enrollment for all programs will begin after the February break and notification will be sent out to families as well as posted on the Tewksbury Public Schools Website
You must enroll through: https://register.communitypass.net/TewksburyPublicSchools
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Integrated Preschool at Heath Brook and Dewing Schools
The Integrated Preschool Program at the Heath Brook and Dewing Schools offer a child-centered curriculum. The program is designed to create a structured learning environment which fosters creativity, independence, and community building. The social-emotional learning needs of each student are addressed. The program focuses on preparing students for Kindergarten. The curriculum is aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Standards. Students learn through play and exploration of their environment. Daily activities include language arts, math, readiness, and structured activities for social development.
The Integrated Preschool supports a population of diverse learners and is developed to support students who are receiving special education services in an inclusive learning environment. The preschool is developed to meet the individualized learning needs of all students. Classes include both students with and without IEPs. Our students without identified disabilities act as typically developing role models for all students. Staff are DESE licensed early childhood special educators and related service providers.
| Option 1 4 Year-Old 1/2 DAY INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL |
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| Option 2 3 Year Old 1/2 DAY INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL |
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Integrated Preschool Contacts
Terry Gerrish
Principal, Heath Brook School
978-640-7865
Alexis Bosworth
Principal, Dewing School
978-640-7858,
Jennifer Ziniti
Preschool Secretary 978-640-7858r
Do you need a FULL DAY OPTION?
Longer Day Option: For families who require a longer day, students may be enrolled in a 1/2 day preschool program and attend an optional longer-day session provided through the Office of Community Services to complete their day. Students will be assigned to two different teachers. 4 year-old students must be enrolled in the AM 1/2 day Integrated Preschool and 3 year-old students must be enrolled in the PM 1/2 day Integrated Preschool in order to be eligible for the longer day option.
Students would enroll in the Integrated Preschool Program session for their age group and would then transition to/from the Community Services Program for the balance of the day.
Example: 3 Year-Old Full Day
- Community Services Preschool Extension Program 8:00 AM -12:15 PM
- Integrated Preschool Program: 12:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Example: 4 Year Old Full Day
- Integrated Preschool Program 8:00 AM – 10:15 AM
- Community Services Preschool Extension Program 10:15 AM – 2:30 PM
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Cost for Community Services Extension Program: $545.00/month in addition to $300/month for Integrated Preschool Program. Total $845.00/month
*Depending on enrollment and availability, mixed age grouping may occur.
Space is limited for all programs.
*Preschool start and end times are subject to change.
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Community Services Preschool Extension Programs
Heath Brook and Dewing Schools
We know that some families need a longer day. We are pleased to offer the The Community Service Preschool Extension Program to create a longer day in preschool. This program is also designed to support a structured learning environment which fosters creativity, independence and community building. The social-emotional learning needs of each student are addressed. The four year old program focuses on preparing students for Kindergarten. The three year old program focuses on school readiness. The curriculum is aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Standards. Students learn through play and exploration of their environment. Daily activities include language arts, math, readiness, and structured activities for social development. The longer, full-day option allows for lunch, recess and a rest period for students. Students must attend the Integrated Preschool during their designated time and transition from/to the The Community Service Preschool Extension Program.
Classes are taught by a DESE licensed preschool teacher and an aide, who cooperatively support the children in their learning.
Contact Information
Dr. Cynthia Basteri
Community Services
978-640-7800 x5168
basteric@tewksbury.k12.ma.us
Do you need childcare before or after school? If so, AlphaBEST will be offering extended day opportunities for our preschool programs at the Heath Brook and Dewing Schools before 8 am and after 2:30 pm. Please contact AlphaBEST for pricing options. https://www.alphabest.org/tewksburyma/
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Tewksbury Memorial High School Preschool Program
320 Pleasant Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876
1/2 day Preschool, 5 Mornings, Monday-Friday, 9:00-12:00
Cost: $100.00 enrollment fee. No additional tuition.
*This program is for students who will turn 4 by August 31, 2023. Orientation for TMHS Program- Orientation will be on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 and preschool will begin on Tuesday, 9/12/23
The THMS Preschool is a part-time public preschool which offers a fun, safe and secure learning environment. The goal of the program is to address the total development of the child through a mixture of free play and planned activities designed and created by following the Preschool Massachusetts State Frameworks.
The program is staffed with high school students who are enrolled in the high school child care classes and who are learning to teach. The high school students gain incredible hands-on experience while the preschool children benefit from the favorable low student/teacher/child ratio. High School Students are supervised by a Licensed Teacher. There is a private bathroom for preschool students in the classroom.
*This program teaches high school students how to work with 4/5 year-old children who are demonstrating age appropriate developmental skills. High School students assigned to the class transition every 68 minutes. As a result, multiple students will work with young children attending the preschool program. Students who attend this class must be able to manage multiple staff transitions, loud bells and multiple announcements. The class is capped at 15 preschool students.
The preschool program has a separate entrance by the playground.
Contact Information:
Nicole Smallidge Jennifer Ziniti
Program Instructor Preschool Secretary
nsmallidge@tewksbury.k12.ma.us 978-640-7858 or jziniti@tewksbury.k12.ma.us
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Frequently Asked Questions for Dewing and Heath Brook Preschools
I live in the Heath Brook district, may I enroll my child at the Dewing Preschool/I live in the Dewing district, may I enroll my child at the Heath Brook School?
No. Your child must attend the preschool program at his/her designated school. This is a change for the 2023-2024 school year. We have mirrored our preschool programs at each elementary school to provide your child with the most robust preschool experience at their home school.
My child does not turn three until November. May I register him/her for preschool?
No. If you plan to enroll your child in a tuition slot as a 3-year-old, s/he must turn three by August 31, 2023. If you plan to enroll your child in a tuition slot as a 4-year-old, s/he must turn four by August 31, 2023.
Why can’t I enroll my 3 year-old child in the morning session?
Our classrooms are primarily grouped by age. This allows our teachers to differentiate the learning experience based on age. There may be times when teams make recommendations for placement in a different-aged classroom, but these recommendations are made on an individual basis and only after observation and data collection.
How do I enroll in the programs?
Open enrollment will begin February 28, 2023. There are a select number of open slots available for each of the preschool programs. Students who have previously attended the preschool program will have priority in their current program, prior to the open enrollment date. All other openings will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you enroll in the program on Community Pass and have paid your deposit of the first month’s tuition, you will receive a confirmation via email. You must then complete your registration with Central Registration during the designated time frame. The time slots will be sent to you via email. Enrollment and deposits for all programs must be completed using Community Pass.
COMMUNITY PASS LINK: https://register.communitypass.net/TewksburyPublicSchools
I already have a Community Pass Account, what should I do?
If you already have an account, you may add your preschool child to this account. Be sure to choose “Prek-Kindergarten” as your student’s grade (not Infant/Toddler). This must be done prior to the enrollment date to facilitate the enrollment process.
I don’t have a Community Pass Account, what should I do?
To create an account you will need to add yourself and your student to the account. Be sure to choose “Prek-Kindergarten” as your student’s grade (not Infant/Toddler). This must be done prior to the enrollment date to facilitate the enrollment process.
Will there be an information session?
Yes, we will offer an information session on February 8, 2023.
What is the start date?
The start date for both the Dewing and Heath Brook programs will be on the first day of school (date TBD)
Do I need to make a tuition deposit?
A deposit of your child’s first month of tuition is due upon completion of enrollment in Community Pass.
My child has an IEP and requires specialized instruction. Are these the only options for services?
Services are based upon the individual learning needs of students and recommendations for services are based upon team determination. If your child requires special education services, in most cases, these will be provided in your child’s home district. There are other options for programming available based on student need. Please contact your child’s special education case manager for additional information. Please note: the Community Services Preschool Extension Program is a separate program and is not considered a special education program. The Community Services Extension Program is an optional tuition based program for families who require a longer day.
