Early Steps August 30, 2026

As we begin the school year, we know that families receive a lot of information! Between communication from classroom teachers, administration, and your child’s school building, there may be several different emails and newsletters arriving in your inbox. We want to help clarify the purpose of these communications and make it a little easier to know what to expect.

Early Steps is a districtwide program that includes six satellite PreK classrooms located throughout Watertown; two classrooms at Cunniff, two at Hosmer, one at Lowell, and one at Watertown High School. Because our classrooms are part of these larger school communities, families may receive communication from both Early Steps and the school where their child’s classroom is located.

Families may receive building-specific newsletters and updates from the principal at their child’s school:

The newsletters and emails that I share will often include information connected to our Early Steps program and Hosmer campus, along with updates that are relevant to all Early Steps families. These may include curriculum and instructional highlights, research and resources related to early childhood education, important program reminders, celebrations, and photos that offer a glimpse into the wonderful learning happening across our classrooms.

Your child’s teacher is an important source of classroom-specific communication. They will share information about the day-to-day experiences, learning, and happenings within your child’s classroom.

We encourage families to take a few moments to read the different communications you receive, as each serves a slightly different purpose. Some information will apply to all Early Steps families, while other information may be specific to your child’s classroom or school building.

We recognize that this can feel like a lot of information, and we appreciate your partnership in staying connected. Our goal is to keep you informed while also giving you meaningful opportunities to see and celebrate the learning, growth, and joy taking place throughout Early Steps.

We are so excited to welcome our Early Steps students, families, and staff back to school!

On Tuesday, September 2, we welcome staff back to the building.

Beginning the week of September 14, we begin to welcome students into their classrooms for the start of a new and exciting year of learning, playing and belonging together!

Below, you’ll find helpful information to support a smooth start and transition into your child's early childhood learning experience.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

The City of Watertown seeks to hire School Crossing Guards to work under the supervision of the Watertown Police Department.

Responsibilities include monitoring vehicles and pedestrian traffic at assigned crossings to assist school children crossing the streets, while providing for the orderly movement of traffic. Crossing guards must be able to communicate effectively with school children, parents, and drivers, ensure that children cross the street properly and safely. Must be able to stand for the entire shift and tolerate exposure to all types of weather conditions, maintain a high level of awareness, be reliable and can use judgement and work independently. This is an excellent position for recent retirees or those with morning and afternoon availability to want to contribute to their community in a meaningful way. All training and direction for these positions are provided by the Police Department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma (or GED).

Must be available to work Monday through Friday, during the school year. Must be able to pass a CORI/SORI background check and pre-employment physical. Crossing Guards must have excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to exercise sound judgement in the protection of our school children and their parents.

TERMS/HOURS: Approximately 10 hours per week. Shifts are approximately one hour each at the beginning and end of each school day. There are no shifts during the summer months or school vacations.

SALARY: $24.50 per hour to start with periodic increases. This position is not eligible for benefits or paid time off.

TO APPLY: Candidates must submit a City Application, along with a cover letter and resume, to recruiting@watertown-ma.gov.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are excited to welcome students back for a healthy, safe, and fun school year! 

As we begin our school year, we are asking parents of students who have a medical diagnosis and need medication to be given during school hours to please drop off medication directly in the nurse’s office. Please DO NOT have children bring these medications to school themselves.

If your child requires rescue medications (ie. for an allergy, asthma, or seizures) please bring:

If your child takes daily medications to be given while in school please bring:

Please note that new action plans and doctors orders are required every school year, so these should be dated after June 2026.

I look forward to working with you and your student’s this school year! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

Throughout the school year, we love to share the exciting things happening at Early Steps!

This often includes photos of students engaged in classroom activities.

These photos may be shared in a variety of ways, including:

To ensure we respect your preferences, please take a moment to complete the photo permission form linked below.

Please note: Student names will not be used in any social media posts or in the principal’s newsletter.

Thank you for your support and for helping us celebrate the amazing work our students do!

Tuition payments are due on or before the first of every month - September through June. 

Caregivers have the following options for making a payment: 

Parents/Caregivers will receive an email with an invoice attached approximately 10 days prior to the start of school.

Tuition Costs:

3-days a week 8:00AM - 12:00PM - $425/month

5-days a week 8:00AM - 1:00PM - $885/month

5-days a week 8:00AM - 12:00PM - $707/month

For more information, contact: Administrative Assistant, Tricia D’Amelio @ Tricia.DAmelio@watertown.k12.ma.us