Early Education

Preschool

Preschool is open to any child who has turned 3 by September 1, 2019 that resides in Bernardston, Leyden, Northfield or Warwick.

The Bernardston and Northfield Preschool classrooms are full for the 2019-2020 school year. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for one of the programs please contact our Early Education Office.

Kindergarten

Children who will be five years of age by September 1, 2019 are eligible for kindergarten at Pioneer Valley Regional Schools

To pick up a Registration packet you must have your child's official birth certificate (not hospital record)

All children entering kindergarten are required to have a 5 year old physical examination. Forms will be in the registration packet and should be completed and returned to the school as soon as possible.

Pioneer Valley Regional School District Early Education

97 F. Sumner Turner Road, Northfield, MA 01360

Phone: 413-498-2911

Fax: 413-498-0045

We welcome you to the Early Education Programs of the Pioneer Valley Regional School District, and hope the following information is helpful to you and your child. Knowing that early experiences set the stage for a life-long love of learning, our school district is committed to providing our youngest students with the best possible early education and care, in safe, nurturing and enriching environments.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Pioneer Valley Regional School District (PVRSD) Early Education offers programming for 3, 4, and 5 year olds and their families residing in Bernardston, Leyden, Northfield and Warwick. The curriculum includes experiences in art, music, physical, social and cognitive development. We strive for an individualized program to meet the needs of each child’s developmental level and learning style. Opportunities for learning occur in individual, small and large group settings. The schedule is designed to provide a balance of active play, exploration and rest periods. A research based assessment tool, DIAL-4, is used to measure student developmental progress three times a year. To initiate positive communication, teachers meet with parents through an introductory visit and two parent teacher conferences annually. It is our goal to ensure that parents have opportunity to be involved in setting goals for their children, are well informed of their child’s progress and engaged in the process of Kindergarten transition. Teachers are also available to meet with parents as needed. Children identified with special needs will be evaluated upon entry into our program. Special Education Services will be determined through evaluation and an individual plan will be developed if eligibility is determined.

Required Documentation

Parents/guardians will be required to submit documentation of:

• children’s birth (birth certificate)
• record of immunizations
• a physical exam within the last calendar year before children begin school
• parent questionnaire
• 2018 tax return

Transportation

Preschool parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from school. Extended day programs are not available for preschool students.

Tuition

The preschool program is supported by parent tuition, a combination and local school budget funds, and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care grants. A sliding fee scale is used to determine tuition. Children may bring a school lunch or buy a lunch from the cafeteria.