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Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten Registration

Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten Registration

graphic depicting a pad of paper with register in blue

Welcome

 

I am very excited to welcome students, parents/families to the Early Steps Early Childhood Center. While our Preschool and PreKindergarten (PreK) share the goal of preparing 3-5 year olds for kindergarten, more importantly, the experience helps shape students’ view of themselves as successful learners and playful partners, and to realize their individual value within our school community. The fine staff at Early Steps have created a thoughtful, student-centered environment. Please enjoy the Early Steps Brochure providing more information.

The classes are an inclusionary design. This means that classrooms are composed of a variety of learners, including students with and without disabilities in integrated classrooms. The total enrollment of the PreK classes is 18 students and Preschool classrooms enroll up to 15 students. Children receiving special education services will work with their IEP team to discuss if PreK is the least restrictive environment to support your child’s needs.

We are most grateful to the School Committee that approved Superintendent Galdston’s plan last year to provide free universal PreKindergarten in the Watertown Public Schools (for those children who turn 4 years old by August 31). And we are excited to be part of your child's learning experience for over 200, 3-5 year old students in Preschool and PreKindergarten at Early Steps this present school year. In PreK, there are seven classrooms located across Early Steps Preschool connected to Hosmer School, at Cunniff School, and at Lowell School. Preschool is tuition-based for most students. The 25-26 school year cost and structure will be available in January. All preschool classrooms are located at the Early Steps building adjacent to Hosmer School.

The registration process for the 2025 - 2026 school year begins in January. This chart outlines some upcoming dates and opportunities to learn more about at Early Steps.

 

Respectfully,

Dr. Theresa McGuinness

Principal

 

Updated January 6, 2025

 

 

Date

Event

January 14

Early Steps PreK & Preschool Virtual Information Night 

(Slides, Contacts, Q & A)

  • Pre Kindergarten (PreK) + Plus Extended Day Information 6:00 - 6:30 ~ Link to Join Zoom Meeting 
    • Student turns 4 by August 31, 2025
 
  • Preschool 6:30 - 7:00 ~ Link to Join Zoom Meeting
    • *Student turns 3 by August 31, 2025

*Some students are identified with needs during the school year as they turn 3.

January 22

Early Steps In-Person Visiting Day @1 Concord St. Watertown ~ 2:45 - 3:45 PM

Jan. 27 - Feb. 28

Application Period Opens

  • Lottery takes place following application period
  • Returning students and siblings are given first priority.

On or before March 14

Confirmation of Placement & Next Steps Sent to Parents/Families

March 15 - 28

Registration begins to Enroll Students Who Received Placement Confirmation Letters

June 1

Teacher Assignments to Families

Extended Day Program (EDP) - OPTIONAL

Students with confirmed enrollment in the 2025-2026 daytime PreK Program at Cunniff, Hosmer, and Lowell Elementary Schools will be eligible to register for the space-limited, 2025-2026 Extended Day Program that runs from 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm at each school. 

  • Registration for the 2025-2026 Extended Day Program is expected to open in the spring of 2025.  
  • *Please note that there is very limited space available in the Extended Day Program, and space is determined by a lottery.  Thus, space in the Extended Day Program is not guaranteed. 
  • There is no Before-School Program available for PreK students.
  • There is no priority registration option for PreK students registering for the Extended Day Program.  

More information will be shared in early February. For questions regarding the Extended Day Program, please contact Debi Cornelius, Director of Community Education, at debora.cornelius@watertown.k12.ma.us.   

 

* Early Steps Brochure *

 

**Caregivers may register students online only after a placement at Early Steps has been given in the Spring 2025.

 
  • Early Steps Registration OPEN for 2025 - 2026, March 15 - 29, 2025.
 

For questions, please contact: 

 

Tricia D’Amelio 

Administrative Assistant to the Principal

tricia.damelio@watertown.k12.ma.us

Sample Daily Schedule 

Here are some of the things you can expect to see in your child’s daily schedule: 

 
  • Choice Centers 
  • Morning Meeting 
  • Music 
  • Snack & Recess 
  • Small Groups 
  • Lunch 
  • Math (Building Blocks)
  • Early Literacy (Read Aloud, Songs & Poems & Heggerty Phonemic Awareness ) 
  • Social Emotional Learning (Al’s Pals ) & Behavior (Zones of Regulation)

WPS General Student Registration

 

  • LINK to WPS Registration Page 

For information or if you have questions regarding registering your student in WPS, please contact:  Registrar, Terri Stafford at 617 - 972 - 4216 or terri.stafford@watertown.k12.ma.us (Please email or call for an appointment.)

Registrar @Phillips Building, Third Floor

30 Common St.

Watertown, Ma. 02472

617-972-4216 X 37291

Fax 617-923-1234


Mandatory Registration Documents:

  1. Copy of student birth certificate
  2. Registering parent/guardian with official identification
  3. 2 Proofs of residence: one from each Column below
  4. Health:  Copy of yearly physical and updated immunizations document (U.S.physician)
  5. school records or report cards (if records from their previous school were not already transferred)

Need financial assistance? Click on the Financial Assistance Forms to apply for a waiver of partial school fees, if you qualify.