FAQ

What is Bedford High Integrated Preschool?

Our preschool is designed to meet the needs of both special education students and typically developing students. We provide peer modeling in a supported environment where children learn from each other, and all children learn and develop at their own pace given their unique learning styles. We have an optimal class size and student teacher ratios. Our preschool classrooms accommodate up to 15 students with up to 2 teachers at all times. The class is comprised of 51% "typically developing students" and 49% of special needs students (students on Individualized Education Programs - IEPs) for specialized services. The remaining students in the class are chosen through an open application process. In addition to the 2 teachers, we also have 3 specialists and up to 75 High School students that rotate through the program throughout their 6-day cycle..

What advantages does an integrated preschool have offer?

The Bedford High Integrated Preschool is an extension of the public school system. Our program offers a typical preschool experience with the advantage of a curriculum that targets each child's specific learning style and diverse learning needs. Teachers and specialists are highly trained in early childhood education and special education so that we can provide children with a variety of teaching techniques and strategies.

Who is the Bedford High Integrated Preschool staff?

Our staff is comprised of a highly qualified team of teachers including Special Education Teachers, Educational Assistants, Occupational Therapist, COTA, Speech/Language Therapist, and Physical Therapist.

What is your curriculum?

The Bedford High Integrated Preschool follows the Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. These guidelines are a comprehensive guide that covers Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies, Social Emotional Development, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Arts, etc. All of our activities are developmentally appropriate for preschool aged children and the majority of our learning is through play, we have goals and requirements that need to be fulfilled so that we can prepare preschool aged children for their next step in education.

How many classrooms are there?

At Bedford High Integrated Preschool we offer three classes that run simultaneously. We have two five-day preschool classes for four-year olds and five-year olds who may have missed the August 31 cutoff for kindergarten. We also have a three-day preschool program (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for three-year olds and younger four-year olds. This provides all of our students with a school experience that is consistent in routine and peer interactions, and allows for optimal carry-over of learned skills. Our goal is to help prepare children for Davis School Kindergarten.

Where is the preschool located?

Bedford High Integrated Preschool is located inside Bedford High School. We are easy to find through the entrance closest to the library.

How does the High School impact my child?

The Bedford High Integrated Preschool is directly linked to the high school Child Growth and Development classes. High school students are provided with practical application for what they are learning about in their classes. The preschool students love having the high school students come to their classroom every day. This is a "win win" for everyone!

What are the entrance requirements?

Children must be 3 years old by August 31, in order to attend the Bedford High Integrated Preschool. Our requirements are in line with the kindergarten entrance age for Bedford Public Schools as we are an extension of the Bedford Public Schools. Entry into Davis Kindergarten requires that children turn 5 by August 31.

What is the cost of the preschool program?

The cost of the Bedford High Integrated Preschool five-day programs is $4500.00/year paid monthly ($450.00/month). The cost of the Bedford High Integrated Preschool three-day program is $3000.00/year paid monthly ($300.00/month). Your first month's tuition is your deposit due upon acceptance into the program to secure your child's placement in the Bedford High Integrated Preschool. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the administration.

We do have additional programs available for an additional fee. This brochure is attached with more information.

Do you offer any discounts for sibling enrollment?

Yes. We offer 15% off of the second tuition for siblings. This includes our Additional Programs as well. At this time however, we are unable to offer scholarships or grants to attend the Bedford High Integrated Preschool.

What would a "typical day" look like?

You can find a short video clip on the Bedford Public Schools website: http://www.bedford.k12.ma.us. There you will find a link for the preschool.

Is transportation provided?

Parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from school.

Does my child need to be toilet trained?

We recommend that children enrolled in Bedford High Integrated Preschool be toilet trained and capable of independent self-care in the bathroom (including wiping), however, this is not an enrollment requirement. While we do not toilet train children in the preschool, we are happy to support your home toilet training practices.

Do you have a snack time and do you provide snack?

Yes we do have a short snack each day. We do not supply snacks due to allergies and individual food preferences. It is strongly encouraged that you send a healthy snack and drink with your child daily. We are an allergy aware program and will make accommodations for children with food allergies as needed, so it is possible that there may be food restrictions for all children.

Suggestions of healthy snacks include: fruit, vegetables with/without dip, crackers, cheese popcorn, pretzels, sandwiches, yogurt, applesauce, raisins, granola bars, real fruit juice, water, milk, etc...

Do you have an outdoor play space?

We pack a lot into our busy preschool day! We are fortunate to have a small outdoor play space adjacent to our preschool classroom. We are a short walk to the Bedford playground, which we try to frequent. When inclement weather occurs (a common occurrence in New England), we have access to the Bedford High School gyms.

Are parents allowed to participate in the program?

We highly value and appreciate parent participation. We provide monthly/bimonthly parent visit days so you may see what your child has been learning about at school. Typically, these days are dedicated to the completion of a unit, skill or theme that your children have been working on. This is a time for you to be engaged in your preschooler's world to see what he/she has been learning about at school. We would appreciate it if siblings did not accompany you on the visit days.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the program?

Jayme Szymczak, Bedford High Integrated Preschool Teacher/Coordinator

781-275-1700 ext. 4110 jayme_szymczak@bedford.k12.ma.us