ROLLED BACK- About Us
Our Program
Cowing Early Childhood is an integrated early childhood program within the West Springfield Public Schools serving children with and without disabilities.
The Early Childhood Program offers a language-based multi-sensory approach to learning. Morning and afternoon sessions and classes are held Monday – Thursday (No Fridays) with transportation provided each way depending on location. The Cowing EC Program follows the West Springfield Public Schools calendar for vacations and holidays. In addition, we offer a specialized preschool program for children with an autism diagnosis.
Morning Session
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Monday - Thursday
Afternoon Session
12:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Monday - Thursday
Age Range and Eligibility
Children must reside within the West Springfield Public School district to attend Cowing Early Childhood. Our classrooms are integrated with peer partners and children with special needs. Peer partners must be 3 years old by September 1, and toilet trained, to be considered. Priority is given to children age 4+ and eligible to attend kindergarten the following year. Once all available slots are full, remaining applicants will be placed on a wait list and contacted as space becomes available. All peer partners enrolled in the program are required to participate in a developmental screening. Children with identified disabilities are eligible for placement at 3 years of age if recommended by the Special Education Evaluation TEAM.
Our Philosophy
The Early Childhood program offers a language-based multi-sensory approach to learning. We provide developmentally appropriate curriculum and practices. The curriculum features a balance of child-centered and content-oriented activities derived from the child, the classroom teacher and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The day is composed of a variety of activities allowing for a balance of active and quiet time, small and large group instruction and teacher-directed and child-initiated experiences. The classes are a rich mixture of children between the ages of three and five years of age with a wide variation in experience upon entering school. We respect individuality and age of the learner.
Parent Resources
Attendance Handout(PDF, 377KB)