Side by Side / Preschool
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Side by Side Williamstown Elementary School's Inclusive Preschool
 Williamstown's Side by Side is an early education program for children between the ages of three and five. The program consists of a morning, an afternoon, and a full day option. Side by Side is a five days a week preschool program for all sessions.
Side by Side reflects the philosophy that inclusive education is a valuable school experience for all children. Developmental inclusion is a form of school programming which brings together in one classroom children with and without special needs. It is Side by Side's vision that if all children have the opportunity to learn and grow together they will develop an understanding and acceptance for every individual.
The classroom program is designed to encourage interaction between children and to provide an environment where children learn through active exploration of their world. There is an emphasis upon meeting the needs of each child, through large and small group projects, one to one instruction and free play. The curriculum includes a rich array of activities that foster growth in thinking, communication, fine and gross motor skills, and social and emotional development.
Staffing: Each class is led by a teacher certified by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Invaluable assistance is provided in each classroom by the classroom assistants, minimum one assistant per class. There can be a maximum of fifteen children per class.
  The preschool calendar follows the Williamstown Elementary School's calendar except for the first Wednesday of each month when Side by Side is closed for staff development.
Tuition is set by the Williamstown Elementary School's school committee in the spring prior to the school year. Lottery : Each spring Side by Side holds a lottery to fill vacancies which are anticipated for the following fall. Sessions:
Morning: 8:40-11:30 Afternoon: 12:15-3:05 Full Day: 8:40-3:05 Last updated: 2/28/08
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