WCSU Early Childhood Education Program
Serving children birth to age 5 in the towns of Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex and Worcester

Family, Infant & Toddler
The Family, Infant & Toddler Program provides early intervention services to children aged birth to three who have developmental delays or who have conditions that may lead to developmental delays. Services include specialty clinics, care coordination services, family supports and limited financial assistance for authorized medical services. Referrals can be made to your local school, Washington Central Supervisory Union or the Family Infant Toddler Program at the Family Center of Washington County. Click here for more information on the State of Vermont Agency of Human Services website.

 

Preschools
The WCSU preschools are located at Berlin Elementary, Calais Elementary, East Montpelier Elementary, Rumney Memorial School in Middlesex and Doty Memorial School in Worcester. The preschool environments are geared for children 3-5 years of age. Children learn through active exploration and interaction with peers, adults, and materials. Learning areas include dramatic play, science, art, music, motor activities, early literacy and early math opportunities. Children learn through their play individually, in small or in whole group settings.

Teachers facilitate involvement and positive social skills while modeling and encouraging expected behavior by using positive guidance techniques. Teacher expectations match and respect children’s developing capabilities. The size and ratio of teachers to children enables individualized and age appropriate programming.

Participation is free of charge for all children. Applications for placement are sent out the last week of March prior to the upcoming school year. Children must be 3 by September 1st to be eligible. Placement is made on a first-come first-serve basis beginning April 1st thru April 30th. Please call 229-0553 for more information.

Essential Early Education EEE
The Essential Early Education EEE Program serves young children with special needs in each of the WCSU (Washington Central Supervisory Union) towns. Children must demonstrate a significant delay in one or more areas of development such as, small and large muscle development, social and emotional, speech and language, self-help or adaptive skills, or cognitive skills. Individual programs are created to meet a child’s specific needs. If you know a child who may benefit from early intervention services please contact us at 223-0620.

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Early Education Initiative EEI
The Early Education Initiative EEI Program serves young children who may be determined “at risk” of school failure. The EEI program supports children’s overall development within and out of the preschool classroom setting. Areas of support include cognitive, social, emotional, behavioral, speech and language, fine and gross motor skills. The EEI program teacher serves children within the preschool, home or childcare setting and makes recommendations and supporting activities geared to enhance specific skill development for child, family members and caregivers. If you know a child who may benefit from early intervention services please contact us at 223-0620.

Playgroups
Playgroups are free, community-based, professionally facilitated open play times for children newborn to age five and their grown-ups. Each week playgroup facilitators transform community areas into play spaces for young children and parents, providing developmentally appropriate activities and an opportunity for children and parents to interact, explore, socialize and have fun!

Playgroups are attended on a "drop-in" basis; no enrollment or referral is necessary. Families are welcome to attend as many or as few playgroups as desired. Adults accompanying children are responsible for supervising their children. For more information e-mail familycenter@fcwcvt.org or call (802) 262-3292. More scheduling information can be found on the Family Center website.

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Family Resources
Parent groups/workshops are held at various times throughout the school year. Topics include parenting skills, early literacy development, Mother Goose Workshops, How to Talk so your Kids will Listen, etc. Occasional newsletters are written and shared by each of the playgroup facilitators and preschool teachers. They contain many items of interest such as activities to do at home with your children and articles on parenting.

Each town has available parenting resources in their local school libraries or in the preschool classroom. Please be sure to check these resources out when you visit.

Essential Early Education Office: 223-0620
Berlin Elementary School: 223-2796
Calais Elementary School: 454-7777
East Montpelier Elementary School: 223-7936
Rumney Memorial School (Middlesex): 223-5429
Doty Memorial School (Worcester): 223-5656

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