Located at Essex Elementary School, The Collaborative Preschool is an integrated program serving children ages 3 to 5 from the tri-town area. Designed to meet the unique needs of children identified as requiring special education services, the preschool operates under the guidance of a Planning and Placement Team (PPT).
The program offers a comprehensive range of services, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social skills instruction, tailored to support each child’s development. Connecticut-certified special education teachers lead the program, fostering growth in communication, social, and readiness skills. The curriculum is guided by the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards, providing an enriched, cooperative learning environment for all students.
In addition to supporting children with special education needs, the preschool welcomes typically developing peers as role models, selected once per year, to enhance the collaborative and inclusive learning experience.
Preschool classes meet Monday-Friday with the exception of one Wednesday per month.
Full Day: 8:15-2:15
Half Day
Morning sessions meet from 8:45-11:15
Afternoon sessions meet from 12:15-2:45
Referral for Special Education Services
If there are concerns that a child may need special education services, a referral can be made to the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). Referrals may be initiated by a child’s teacher, parent, or family physician.
During a PPT meeting, parents and the preschool team discuss the concerns and decide if an evaluation is necessary to gather information to determine eligibility for services and guide program planning. Written consent from parents is required before an evaluation can begin, and no information is collected without their knowledge and permission. Parents have the right to refuse consent for an evaluation or placement and may revoke consent at any time.
Special education services are governed by legal regulations, which include a specific timeframe for completing evaluations and placement procedures. Placement into special education must occur within 45 school days from the date of referral.
For more information, refer to The Parent’s Guide to Special Education (Link). If you have questions or would like to make a referral, please contact Karen Falvey, Supervisor of Pupil Services.
Peer Role Models
The preschool program welcomes typically developing peers who serve as role models in speech articulation, expressive and receptive language, and social skills.
Peers are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
A tuition fee applies for peer participants.
To be eligible, peers must be fully potty-trained and 3 years old by the first day of school.
School bus transportation is not provided for peer models.
Applications for peer models for the 2025-2026 school year will open on January 9, 2026.