Our program is comprised of six classrooms located in the Newman Elementary School, and we serve the educational needs of students who are three, four, and five years old in the town of Needham. Classrooms are taught by masters-level teachers who are certified in both early childhood education and special education. This training and expertise enables teachers to differentiate their instruction an
d provide a rich and supportive learning environment for all children. We are proud to offer an integrated preschool program in which children with different skills, needs, and interests are educated together, which is an inclusive educational model widely supported by research. Classes are limited to 15 students and are supported by the teacher along with at least two teacher assistants (TAs). Needham Preschool follows a developmental whole child philosophy. We focus not just on kindergarten readiness skills, but also on building your child’s social-emotional skills and a love for learning. We help your child to become intellectually curious, promote play skills and friendships, develop their independence and problem-solving skills, and, most of all, build their confidence, enthusiasm, and joy for learning and school. We have dedicated and highly specialized early childhood staff in our program, which is reflective of the commitment of the Needham Public Schools to early childhood education. Children benefit from the support and expertise of our Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Pediatric Nurse. We have a supportive Preschool Parent Teacher Council (PTC) who work closely with us to create a positive and robust early childhood community, and bring in curriculum enrichment such as the New England Aquarium, baby farm animals, and music and movement events. We are very fortunate to be housed in the Newman Elementary School. You and your child have the opportunity to begin your relationship with the Needham Public Schools in one of the town’s five elementary schools, which will help facilitate their transition to kindergarten. Also, our older Newman students love to visit now and then for fun activities with preschoolers, like book buddies and group painting projects. Many of them came to the Needham Preschool too!
