Welcome to the Waterford Public Schools’ Preschool Program! The main focus of our program is to prepare preschool children for kindergarten and beyond while having fun and providing a wonderful learning experience for both children and parents. Our program is open to both three- and four-year-olds and provides a seamless transition to kindergarten at one of our three elementary schools. The Early Learning Centers are located at Great Neck Elementary School, Oswegatchie Elementary School, and Quaker Hill Elementary School and are open to all Waterford three- and four-year-old special education students and a limited number of general education students selected through a lottery system.
We offer a quality, nurturing, and productive learning environment. Children will have the opportunity to learn and play with peers in a variety of different ways. Various activities will allow for growth into an independent preschool learner. We offer a comprehensive approach to learning and development including access to Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Services according to a student's individualized education program. Children will participate in developmentally appropriate activities that will enhance socialization, language and readiness skills as well as gross and fine motor development. They will also enjoy opportunities in physical education, art, and music.
Our program is aligned to the Connecticut’s Early Learning and Development Standards. Our curriculum is based on different theme units and fully supports children’s growth and development.
For more information on the Waterford Public Schools’ Preschool Program, please contact Ms. D.J. Camillucci, Early Childhood Liaison, at 860-442-2593 or Ms. Gina M. Wygonik, Director of Special Services, at 860-444-5802.
Special Education Student Forms and Information:
General Education Student Information:
The Waterford Public Schools' Preschool Program is open to a limited number of General Education Students who will serve as Peer Role Models. Peer Role Models are selected through a third party lottery system. If families are interested in being placed in the lottery, a Lottery Entrance Form is required. Parents/guardians of General Education students are asked to fill out the Lottery Entrance Form by Friday, February 14, 2025. Only families with completed Lottery Entrance Forms will be included in the lottery. Families of General Education students will be notified by February 28, 2025 if they have a slot in the Waterford Public Schools’ Preschool Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
Lottery Entrance Form
Please note that students must be three or four years old on or before September 1, 2025 to be eligible for the Preschool Program for the 2025-2026 school year. Students who are five years old on or before September 1, 2025 will be eligible for kindergarten at one of our three elementary schools for the 2025-2026 school year.