Registration Begins at the Franklin Early Childhood Center

The Franklin Early Childhood Center has begun the registration process for the 2013-2014 school year.  Registration will be held during the week of February 4th. Check the Franklin website for more information and to download the registration packet.  

Registration for any program is ongoing provided space is available. Requirements for the Franklin are the student must be 3 or 4 years of age by September 1, 2013, attend registration to provide a birth certificate (must be original copy with raised seal), and a $25.00 non-refundable registration fee.

The Franklin offers a variety of programming for 3 and 4 year olds through its preschool, pre-kindergarten and multi-age classrooms. The Franklin also offers before and after school programming for families.

Preschool Program

Our preschool program is designed for children who are three years old by September 1st of the entering school year.  The student teacher ratio is 1 certified Early Childhood Teacher and 1 paraprofessional in each classroom for 14 students. The approach in a preschool classroom is to focus on the three year old learner and provide a first-time school experience.  Children in this program learn to separate from caregivers, take turns and begin to advocate for their needs.  All of these are important fundamentals for school success.  The curriculum expectations for a three year old are centered around social/emotional development with exposure to pre-academic skills. 

The preschool program offers two and three day per week sessions.  The three-day session meets Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 9:00 - 12:00.  The two day session meets Thursday and Friday from 9:00 - 12:00.  We believe the continuity of days provides important classroom consistency as well as develops a child's stamina.  

Pre-Kindergarten Program

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed for children who are four years old by September 1st of the entering school year.  The student teacher ratio is 1 certified Early Childhood Teacher and 1 paraprofessional in each classroom for 16 students. The philosophy in pre-kindergarten is a classroom that focuses on child directed learning facilitated by our certified teaching staff.  All children in this program are encouraged to plan and organize their time and activities throughout their day with the support of his/her teacher.  For the four year old learner the expectations are focused on mastery of academic skills while continuing to foster social/emotional development. 

The program offers four and five day schedules. The four day schedule meets Monday thru Thursday either from 8:25 to 2:10 or 9:00 am -1:30 pm. The five day schedule meets Monday thru Friday 9:00 am -12:00 pm. 

Multi-Age Program

Our multi-age program is for three and four year old children (by September 1st of the entering school year).  The student teacher ratio is 1 certified Early Childhood Teacher and 1 paraprofessional in each classroom for 15 students. It is based on the philosophy that an age range of greater than one year in a classroom provides opportunities for the younger children to learn from older children.  The older child (4 or 5) has the opportunity to demonstrate a variety of social and academic skills to their younger peers that are not present in a "same age" classroom.  This difference can boost self-confidence in a Pre-Kindergarten learner while still gaining the academic skill set necessary for Kindergarten.  The program capitalizes on the diversity of each child while emphasizing their individuality.  Often the multi-age model is designed to be an integrated "looping model" so that children can have the same teacher in the same classroom for two consecutive years.  This allows families/children and staff to build strong relationships to foster success. 

The curriculum approach in a multi-age classroom is achieved through differentiated instruction.  Meaning, curriculum expectations for 3 year old learners focus on social/emotional development with exposure to pre-academic skills.  For the four year old learner, the expectations grow and are focused on the mastery of academic skills while continuing to foster social/emotional development.  The goal for any four year old child is to ensure kindergarten readiness.  

The multi-age program offers two, three, four, or five day schedules. The hours are 8:25-2:10. Tuition rates vary based on the number of days. 

Before and After School Programming

The Franklin offers an "Early Bird" option for children enrolled in our all day (8:25 - 2:10) programs.  This would allow families to drop their child off any time between 7:25 am and 8:25 am to be cared for before school begins by the Franklin staff.  No breakfast would be provided however students may bring a nut free snack/breakfast item.  The cost of the program is $5/day and registration is required. 

Our "Stay and Play" program provides balanced enrichment programming at the end of the school day to students registered in our all day (8:25 - 2:10) Multi-Age and Pre-Kindergarten program. Run by the Franklin staff, the program is intended to enhance students' recreational, intellectual, social and physical skills in a supportive environment.  We provide a high quality, safe and reliable care during after school hours. A nut free snack and drink is provided and two pick-up options are available each day.  Students may attend one to five days a week on a set, monthly schedule. Cost of the program is $20/day until 5:30 and $25/day until 6:00.  Registration is required.  For further information email stayandplay@melrose.mec.edu. 

For more information visit the Franklin Early Childhood Center website. 

The purpose of the Melrose Public Schools Blog is to help provide parents information on the school programs related to the curriculum and instruction. We also hope to share ideas and strategies for parents to use at home to strengthen home and school connections.