Winooski Preschool Programs
We believe all children deserve a high-quality early education that equally supports their development and educational success. If your child is or will be 3-years-old by September 1st, 2023, please complete a Pre-registration inquiry application HERE
We currently offer 4 options for Winooski families tuition-free. Options 1-3 are at the JFK Elementary School and the 4th option is a Head Start collaborative program located at 87 Elm St.
The Winooski Early Childhood Program (WECP) is located at the JFK Elementary School. The program is closed on Friday and provides bussing Monday-Thursdays for Options 1-3 if interested.
Option 1: Session from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Option 2: Session from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Option 3: Session from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. two days a week (if there is space, more days will be provided).
Option 4: The Winooski Early Learning Center Head Start program is located at 87 Elm St. in Winooski. This is a 6-hour session from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. No bus
If you are interested in participating in any of the programs above, please complete the PowerSchool registration process.
About Winooski Early Childhood Program (WECP)
Winooski Early Childhood Program believes that investing in early childhood education can positively shape a child’s future success. Advances in brain research provide great insight into how a child’s early experiences can impact development in areas such as social/emotional, language, and motor development.
Our preschool classrooms are taught by licensed early education teachers who create a developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to ensure the meaningful participation of all learners in our diverse community. Our philosophy is to create a rich learning environment and activities which allow children the opportunity to experience social, emotional, physical, 
and intellectual growth. Our classrooms value diversity and honor the importance of family and culture as integral parts of each child. We strive to create a sense of community for our children, welcoming their individuality that creates a rich classroom environment. Our goal is to provide safe and exceptional care and education for each child. We recognize that every child has different needs and responds to different interactions. We strive to work with families to provide the best experience possible for all children in the program.
Our preschool classrooms are dedicated to utilizing an early multi-tiered system of support (EMTSS). Our Early Childhood Educators work as a team to maintain a continued sense of inclusion, membership, and belonging for each and every child. Team members can include but are not limited to; Early Childhood Special Educators, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Howard Center clinicians, School Guidance counselors, and School Psychologists. Our early childhood educators will plan for the full and successful inclusion of all children.
WECP Curriculum & Assessment
The WECP curriculum reflects our commitment to best practices in Early Childhood Education. Through play-based interactive learning, our programs create environments that are rich in language and balance teacher-directed and individual learning experiences so each learner is appropriately challenged.
The WECP uses Creative Curriculum, the top-rated play-based curriculum focused on developing social and emotional, physical, and academic skills. Watch What the Creative Curriculum Looks Like. Children’s work is collected throughout the year through various methods (photos, drawings, writing, etc.). The work and photos are used to capture the child’s growth over time. These observations and work sampling are added to a data system called Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG). We use this system to assess each child’s development. TSG is grounded in 38 research-based objectives that include predictors of school success and are aligned with the Common Core State Standards, Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS), and the Head Start Child Early Learning Outcomes Framework. It can be used to support all types of learners, including children with special needs and children with advanced knowledge and skills. The results of this assessment will be shared with parents at conferences offered in the fall and spring.
Accreditation & Licensing
WECP is accredited by Vermont’s Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS) With a top rating of five Stars. WECP classrooms are fully licensed by the State of Vermont, meeting all health, safety, and fire regulations.
For additional information about the Winooski Early Childhood Program please reach out to Maybeline Lopez, Director of Early Learning, [email protected]
What is publicly funded prekindergarten education?
Publicly funded prekindergarten education is defined as:
Ten hours per week for 35 weeks in a community private early care and education programs. These pre-approved programs meet specific quality standards and provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences that are based on Vermont’s Early Learning Standards. Children who reside in Winooski and are between the ages of three-five are eligible. Prekindergarten education is limited to the academic year (September 2023 – June 2024).
Are these 10 hours/week pre-kindergarten programs tuition-free?
The prekindergarten program offered in public school is tuition-free. The prekindergarten program offered through a partner program will charge families for the care and education program the child needs beyond the 10 hours/week during the academic year. Your child’s preschool must deduct these public funds from your annual tuition bill.
Is my child eligible for publicly funded prekindergarten?
If your child is 3 years old by September 1, 2023, and resides in Winooski, then your child is eligible to participate.
How much will Winooski School District pay?
The statewide rate of $3,764.00 per child was established by the Agency of Education for the 2023/2024 school year. This covers 10 hours per week of high-quality prekindergarten education for 35 weeks.
How do I apply?
- Winooski residents must first be enrolled in a pre-qualified preschool program in order to receive Act 166 funding. You need to contact the program directly to enroll your child. Current 2023-2024 Agency of Education’s approved providers for Act166. To search contact information for pre-qualified preschool programs visit: Bright Futures Information System
- Once enrolled in a pre-qualified preschool program, a Winooski PowerSchool account needs to be completed and updated each year so your pre-qualified preschool program can complete the required attendance. *Returning Winooski ACT 166 families need to log into their current PowerSchool account to complete the annual student forms to make sure we have the most up-to-date information! A step-by-step guide to complete Annual Student Forms.
A copy of the child’s birth certificate, immunizations, and proof of residency (a utility bill or mortgage/lease) will need to be uploaded to your PowerSchool account.
For questions about PowerSchool please contact our School Registrar Sean Pagal at 802-383-6106 or [email protected]
For questions about ACT 166 please contact our Support Services Assistant, Lauren Coppola-Dyer at 802-383-6138 or [email protected]
For more information about ACT 166 Universal Prekindergarten Education please visit the Agency Of Education website HERE
The Winooski School District (WSD) is committed to meeting the needs of all children. Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, we are required to identify and evaluate students who have disabilities and to offer them individualized education programs (IEP) for special education and related services.
Early Childhood Special Education Services (ECSES) supports children ages 3 up to 6 years with identified disabilities and developmental delays. Winooski School District ECSES ensures access and participation in early childhood programs for each and every child who is determined eligible for services. Early Childhood Special Education services, consultation, and supports are provided in the qualifying developmental areas identified through a special education evaluation. ECSES enables young children with disabilities to be full participants in everyday routines and activities throughout the early childhood years.
An IEP team using a process specified in the law makes decisions regarding the services that are included in an IEP. The IEP team includes a student’s classroom teacher, special educator, parent(s), and a representative of the school district who is empowered to commit resources such as staff time or funding. By law, we are required to carry out provisions outlined in a student’s IEP.
Early Childhood Special Education Referrals:
All of our services are voluntary and require approval from the parent(s)/guardian(s). The referral process may lead to a screening and/or evaluation. If you have concerns about your child’s development please complete the Early Childhood Development Referral Form
Once completed by the parent, teacher, doctor’s office, or agency, the form can be submitted to Winooski School District Support Services Office – 60 Normand St., Winooski, VT 05404
You and your child have a right to privacy. No staff shall share information about your child or family without your prior written permission. We follow legal confidentiality guidelines as outlined in the federal FERPA and HIPAA policies.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office.
Maybeline Lopez,
Director of Early Learning
802-316-6001
Katherine Blair,
Director of Support Services
802-383-6085