NBPS PRESCHOOL APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED

The preschool application period for the 2026-2027 school year closed on February 2, 2026. There is NOT a wait list for those who have not already applied. Please check back here in January 2027 for information about applying for the 2027-2028 school year.

For additional resources, visit the United Way 211 website or call 2-1-1

North Branford Public Schools Preschool Program

The North Branford Public Schools (NBPS) Preschool Program began in the 2017–2018 school year and is housed at Jerome Harrison Elementary School. The program is partially funded through the Connecticut Smart Start Initiative, which supports preschool-aged children at risk due to economic, cultural, or other disadvantages.

Teaching and learning in the NBPS Preschool Program are guided by the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CTELDS) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines. Our goal is to provide experiences that foster social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development through a differentiated and integrated program.

Program Details

Four-Year-Old Program

  • Tuition-based, following the Office of Early Childhood Fee Schedule
  • 15 students per classroom
  • Three full-day classrooms anticipated, with 30 priority placement openings based on Smart Start criteria
  • Full-day schedule: 9:00 AM – 3:25 PM, school-year calendar (181 days)
  • Led by Pre-K certified teachers with paraprofessional support
  • Transportation provided per district guidelines
  • Snacks and lunch are not provided unless the student qualifies for free/reduced lunch

Three-Year-Old Program

  • Half-day program, Tuesday–Friday, four days per week
  • AM session: 9:00 – 11:35 AM | PM session: 12:50 – 3:25 PM
  • School-year calendar: 147 days
  • Full sessions expected each day
  • Led by Pre-K certified teachers with paraprofessional support

Additional Childcare

Families needing additional childcare, can apply for before- and after-school care through the NBPS Family Resource Center (enrollment is dependent on program availability).

The Family Resource Preschool, a member of the NBPS Preschool Program, is our program that is housed in the Stanley T. Williams building in Northford. This program is a tuition based, full day preschool program for children ages 3-5 years. The hours of operation are 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

  • Curriculum based program - teaching and learning is centered around the Connecticut Early Learning and Developmental Standards (CTELDS)
  • Strong focus on social/emotional development
  • Children learning through play-based activities
  • Foster all children’s independence
  • Intentional teaching - Teachers are facilitators of the children’s learning
  • Assessment - ongoing system which is linked to curriculum and planning.  Children are assessed using a variety of tools and sources.
  • Developmental Screenings are administered throughout the school year by our Parent Educator. Ages and Stages 3 (ASQ) and Ages and Stages Social Emotional Questionnaire (ASQ-SE) is our screening tool and is accessible through the Sparkler App
  • On-site 7 week summer camp program for preschoolers and incoming kindergarteners.
Eligibility Guidelines 2026-2027 School Year

Residency & Age Requirements

  • Child must reside in North Branford/Northford.
  • Three-year-old program: child must be 3 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
  • Four-year-old program: child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
  • Children eligible for Kindergarten are not eligible for the Pre-K program.

Priority Placement (per Smart Start Grant)

High-priority children include those experiencing:

  • Poverty (income ≤ 75% of SMI or receiving free/reduced lunch)
  • Homelessness, migrant, or refugee status
  • Exposure to violence or neglect (DCF-involved, foster care)
  • Developmental delays
  • Challenging parental circumstances (teenage, incarcerated, in substance abuse treatment, active military service)

Enrollment Process

  • Required documentation for priority criteria
  • After priority placements, remaining slots offered through lottery system
  • Screening appointments arranged after application approval