Anne Bradstreet ECC - Preschool FAQs

Where is the program located and what are the days/times?

Our program is at the Early Childhood Center (115 Phillips Brooks Rd.). We are right around the corner from Atkinson School and behind the Middle School.

AM Sessions:    8:45- 11:15 a.m.  

Lunch Bunch: 8:45 - 12:30 p.m.

Full Day: 8:45 - 2:45 p.m.  

PM Sessions:          12:15 - 2:45  p.m.  

What is the cost for the programs?

$320.00 per month or $3200.00 per year for the 2.5 hour program

$420.00 per month or $4200.00 per year for the lunch bunch program

$520.00 per month or $5200.00 per year for the full day inclusion program

*Financial assistance is available if eligible

How many days per week is the program and is there flexibility as to how many days you enroll your child?

Our inclusion programs run Monday through Thursday.  All children are enrolled for the four days.  We do not have 2, 3 and 4 day per week programs at this time.  All programs are four days per week.  If a child is on an IEP, they may be in a program that runs on Friday mornings.

What programs are available for children identified with special needs?:

We have the following programs:  integrated preschools; programs for children diagnosed on autism spectrum; program for children with significant medical/physical needs; and related services only.

Do you offer daycare including before and after care and 5 full days of preschool?

We are not set up to offer daycare at this time. We also do not have a 5 day - full day program for children needing full time care.

How do we apply?:

There is an application online. You can either e-mail it back to the Early Childhood Center Director or mail it to the address specified.  You will then be placed on the waiting list and notified as soon as there is an opening.  Please do not use the online registration portal for applying to be on our wait list. That portal is only used once a child has been officially accepted. You are only placed on our waiting list once you have completed the application and submitted it to the ECC office.

Do you have to re-submit an application each year that you are on the waiting list?

No, once you are on the waiting list, you remain on the list until either you ask to be removed or your child is enrolled, (or old enough to move into kindergarten).

What do you do if you suspect your child might have special needs?

Contact the Early Childhood Center Director, Marylou Connors, at 978-794-1577 or via e-mail at connorsm@northandoverpublicschools.com

Is transportation offered at the ECC?

Transportation is not offered for our community slots. Children on IEP’s are eligible for special transportation.

Is there a nurse at the Early Childhood Center?

Yes, there is a nurse available for all of the preschool children.  We are able to handle children with significant medical needs.

Does a child have to be toilet trained to be enrolled at the ECC?

Although we do prefer that children are toilet trained, we do not exclude them if they are not.

If a child is currently at the Early Childhood Center, does a sibling automatically get in?

We do give preference to siblings, but we still ask that you fill out an application to have on file and ahead of enrollment.

How and when will I know if my child has a slot at the Early Childhood Center?  

Following our initial enrollment process for the new year, we will continue to work from our waiting list throughout the spring and summer as slots become available.

What is the teacher/child ratio in the integrated classrooms and how big are the classes?

All classrooms are staffed with a Master’s degree special education teacher. In addition, there are two teaching assistants in most classes. The maximum number of children in a class is 15.

What time is dismissal on Early Release Days?

AM Sessions   Dismissal is at 10:35 a.m.

Lunch Bunch Dismissal at 11:55 a.m.

PM Sessions and Full Day Programs: Dismissal at 1:15 p.m.

What do I do if my child is sick?

Parents may call the school at anytime to report an absent child, the earlier the better.  The answering machine is on 24 hours a day to leave messages.  The school will usually call the parent if a child is absent and no notification is received. Please notify the school nurse whenever a child is sick with a contagious disease (e.g. Chicken Pox, Strep Throat).

Can I go directly to my child's classroom if I will be visiting school?

You must check in with the office first and sign in.  When dropping off items, please deliver them to the office.

What should I do if my child needs to take medication during the school day?

Please obtain a MEDICATION POLICY from the school nurse which indicates the process to be followed before medication will be dispensed. As part of the nurses protocol please note that NO MEDICATIONS (prescription or non-prescription) and/or vitamins/vitamin supplements are to be transported to school by the children.  All medications must be handed directly to the school nurse. The nurse will dispense all medications.

How can I find out if school will be closed or delayed due to inclement weather?

For up-to-date information on school closings online, check http://www.wcvb.com/weather/closings. Tune to television stations 4,5,7 and local cable Channel 98 for announcements or AM radio Radio: WRKO (680 AM), WCCM (800 AM), or WBZ (1030 AM). In addition, you will receive a robo-call and it will be posted on the NA Public Schools website and on Dr. Gilligan's Twitter Feed

What is the best way to contact someone to have questions answered?

You can call the ECC office directly at 978-794-1577, however, e-mail is a better way to ask questions. You can e-mail Marylou Connors at connorsm@northandoverpublicschools.com