CECP Preschool

SCREENINGS

Colchester Early Childhood Program (CECP) has three screenings per year. The three screening dates are below. To schedule a screening, please email [email protected]. Screenings are not required.

 

Screening dates and their application forms are listed below:  

December 13, 2024 screening form 
children who are three by December 13, 2024

February 28, 2025 screening form 
children who are three by February 28,2025.

May 16, 2025 screening form
children that are three by May 16, 2025

* Alternative screening times will be available for families who have significant concerns about their child's development (i.e. cognitive, speech, behavior, etc).

Parent Input Questionnaire

Please fill out the questionnaire in the Sparkler App using the Colchester Public School Code. Your responses will be reviewed. The links below give instructions of how to get started with the sparkler app. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. 

English version

Spanish version

 

OVERVIEW

Thank you for expressing interest in our integrated program for preschoolers with and without disabilities. Colchester Public Schools provides an excellent opportunity for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children to obtain an early childhood preschool education at the Colchester Early Childhood Program (CECP). The Mission Statement, philosophy and goals, and objectives of the program are described in the Colchester Elementary School Student Handbook.

The Colchester Early Childhood Program is license-exempt, but we voluntarily comply with the Connecticut State Licensing Requirements.

 

English CT Early Learning and Development Standards

Spanish CT Early Learning and Development Standards

Eligibility Guidelines

3 Pathways to Enter

Vision Statement/Preschool Curriculum

Watch the Virtual Preschool Tour!

 

APPLICATIONS

Applications are accepted between September 1st and January 31st each year for the following school year enrollment. The CECP letter and application are found just below this section. Applications will not be held from one year to the next. A new application is required for each upcoming school year. Applications may be printed and are available at Colchester Elementary School, 315 Halls Hill Road, or at the Department of Pupil Services & Special Education, 380 Norwich Avenue, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No preference or partiality based on gender, disability or special needs, or ethnic background will be shown. Please call Pupil Services for further information at 860-537-3103.

After reviewing the program details, if you are interested in having your child attend the CECP, please complete the Preschool Application form and return it by January 31st to the address below. Applications for the PreSchool Lottery are due by January 31, 2025. All applications received past the deadline will be waitlisted. The waiting list is for openings that may occur when enrolled children leave the program during the school year. 

ATTN: Assistant Principal
Colchester Elementary School
315 Halls Hill Road
Colchester, CT 06415

 

CECP Letter and Application (two pages)

Arabic version Application

Spanish version Application

Simplified Chinese version Application

Korean version Application

 

SCHOOL READINESS

Need assistance paying for preschool? The Colchester School Readiness program provides reduced tuition fees for eligible 3, 4, and 5 year old children within the CES or Castle preschool programs. These reductions are available through an application process as they are funded by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and administered through the Collaborative for Colchester's Children (C3). See the table below for details. Go to ColchesterC3.org/school-readiness for the application and more information. 

c3 table

 

STUDENT LOTTERY SELECTION

Children will be selected at random through a lottery process. A selection will be made in the month of February by a School Administrator. In February, letters will be sent to families to let them know when the lottery will be held. Families whose children are not selected for immediate placement in the program will be placed on the waiting list. Children who are not yet 3 by the start of the school year will have to wait until their third birthday to attend.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to and from the CECP is not provided.