Peer Model Program
Information for Enrollment of Peers in the Manchester Preschool Program 2025-2026 School Year
The Manchester Preschool Program is located at the Manchester Preschool Center at Martin.
Selection for enrollment will begin in May 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year. Recognizing that there may be many more applications than placements available, a lottery will be used to choose students for the program. A waiting list will be established for students not initially chosen for the program. The Preschool Peer Component uses the following procedures to select students who will be enrolled in the program each year:
Application Procedures:
1. Children must live in Manchester to be eligible. Applications must be submitted between March 10, 2025 and April 25, 2025.
2. Children must be three years of age by August 31, 2025 in order to have his/her application considered for the program. However, parents of children who will turn three years of age after August 31st may submit an application to be placed on the waiting list on or after their child’s third birthday. The waiting list is for openings that may occur when enrolled children leave the program during the year. This does not guarantee an opening or placement in the program.
3. Children who are age eligible for Kindergarten (turn five years old on or before September 1, 2025) are not eligible for the Early Childhood Education Program.
4. Applications will not be held from one year to the next. For students not already enrolled in the program, a new application must be submitted for each upcoming year. In addition, if a parent refuses an opening in the ECEP or moves to another town while your child is on a waiting list, their name is removed from the waiting list.
5. Siblings of current students will need to submit applications in order to be considered for a peer slot in the program.
6. All applicants will be invited to a Playgroup Session in early May 2025 as part of the application process. This will allow our teachers to meet the children and do some activities in a classroom setting. The schedule for the Playgroup will be communicated with you after the application deadline has passed. Please ensure that all contact information is correct on the application.
Preschool Schedule & Activity Fees for 2025-2026
The Manchester Preschool Program follows the Manchester Board of Education calendar. (September through June)
Timely payment is expected. By agreement, activity fees payments will be paid in advance before the first day of school. We reserve the right to withdraw your child from the program for non-payment of activity fees. Payments are accepted in the form of a check or money order ONLY and should be made out to Manchester Public Schools. If your child is enrolled in the Peer Model Program, you will receive an invoice with more information regarding tuition payments.
3 Year Olds: 5 day half-day program. The tuition fee for the entire school year is $800
This program runs Monday through Friday 8:15am-11:00am
4 Year Olds: 4 day half-day program. The tuition fee for the entire school year is $750
This program runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12:00pm-2:45pm
**We do not offer full day classes**
**Schedule of days is subject to change**
Additional Information:
• Parents must provide transportation. There is NO bus transportation provided for this program.
• Parents are required to follow all State of Connecticut mandates and Manchester Board of Education policies regarding health requirements. All children must get their flu shot.
• Children must be 3 or 4 years of age to enter the Early Childhood Education Program. We encourage children to be toilet trained.
As a peer model, we expect your child to demonstrate the following:
• Age appropriate cognitive, motor, social, behavior and speech/language skills.
• The ability to initiate and maintain positive interactions with children.
• Participate and sustain attention in group activities.
• Follow adult directions.
Please keep in mind that the first month of attendance is a trial period. We will be observing our peer models to determine if he/she possesses the above-mentioned skills. If these skills are not exhibited during this trial period, we would consider this program to be inappropriate for your child and encourage you to explore other preschool opportunities for your child. Note if this were to occur, we would refund your activity fees.
Please note, if your child is chosen for our preschool program, you will be asked to complete the registration requirements for the Manchester Public Schools. You will receive an email with all instructions and a list of the required documents necessary to complete registration.