Brunswick's Bright Beginnings Preschool, housed at Kidder Elementary School, originated in 1991. It is a preschool designed for both children with disabilities and their typically developing peers. This unique arrangement benefits all students. Typically developing peers serve as role models for those with identified developmental delays, which helps them to develop skills necessary to be successful in school. In addition, typical peers gain a more personalized preschool experience that includes many teaching techniques not available in a regular preschool.

 Who may attend?

Children may attend the preschool if they are between 3 to 5 years of age. If a child has a documented disability, it is generally in one of the following areas:

• communication skills (speech and/or language)
• hearing ability
• vision
• motor function
• social-emotional behavior
• visual abilities
• cognitive/pre-academic skills

 How do I know if my child qualifies for Bright Beginnings?

Our preschool staff members screen each child with a suspected disability. If in-depth testing is warranted, it is completed by a staff member qualified in a specific area such as speech or motor skills. Afterward, a written report is prepared which details each child's strengths and areas of need. State preschool rules determine eligibility for services. 

 What days and times do the children go to school?

Your child would attend Monday through Friday for either an A.M. or P.M. session.

The AM session time is 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

The PM session time is 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

 Is transportation provided?

Some students with disabilities may qualify for special transportation. This will be determined at your child's IEP meeting. Transportation is not provided for typically-developing peers.