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Registration PreK

Manchester Head Start Preschool Program

You qualify for the Manchester Head Start Preschool Program if:

  • You live in Manchester, CT and can provide appropriate residency documentation as required by Manchester Public Schools and National Head Start guidelines.
  • Your child is between the ages of 3 and 5 at the time of enrollment.
  • Your family’s annual income falls within the federal poverty guidelines. (View HHS Poverty Guidelines)

Families who are applying for a child with an IEP, who is an English Language Learner, in foster care, or experiencing homelessness — please contact Ms. Alexa Beisel, Family Services Manager, at abeisel@mpspride.org or 860-647-3502 for specific eligibility information.

Families who have applied for Manchester Head Start in the past do not need to complete another application. Please call the main office at 860-647-3502 x0 to express your interest.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR HEAD START

 

Some Helpful Information:

  • You may complete the application after your child turns 2. Residency and enrollment requirements will be requested once your child turns 3.
  • Once your application is reviewed, a member of our Family Services staff will contact you to discuss the program and next steps.
  • Your application is not considered complete until all required documentation (residency, income verification, health, immunization, and dental records) is received.
  • Transportation is currently not provided.
  • Manchester Head Start follows the Manchester Public Schools calendar, including holidays, vacations, early dismissals, and delayed openings.
  • Before and after school care is currently not provided.
  • Due to federal funding, the program is free to eligible and enrolled families.

Manchester Integrated Preschool Program

You qualify for the Manchester Integrated Preschool Program if:

  • You live in Manchester, CT
  • Your child is between the ages of 3 and 5
  • Your child is not Kindergarten age eligible (children who turn 5 on or before September 1st)
  • Your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) OR
  • Your child is accepted as a Peer Model

If you believe you meet the criteria above, please note the following:

  • If your child has an active IEP from another school district, or you have concerns about your child's development, please contact Ashley Ladr at aladr@mpspride.org with a copy of your child's most recent IEP.
  • If your child is currently enrolled in Birth to Three, please speak with your child's coordinator regarding a referral to the school district.
  • To complete an initial application for the Peer Model Program, please use the link below. More specific information about the program will be included in the application packet. Please do not complete this application if your child has an IEP or is in the referral process with Birth to Three.
  • Submitting an application does not guarantee a spot in the program. Students are selected through a lottery process.
  • Before and after school care is not provided.
  • Transportation is only available for students with an IEP.

Program Calendar and Hours

  • The Manchester Preschool Program follows the Manchester Public Schools calendar.
  • PreK 3 students attend the AM session and PreK 4 students attend the PM session.
  • Session hours are:
    • AM: Monday-Friday, 8:15am-11:00am
    • PM: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 12:00pm-2:45pm

Click here to apply for the Peer Model Preschool Program (2026-2027)

Manchester Smart Start Preschool Program

You qualify for the Manchester Smart Start Preschool Program if:

  • You live in Manchester, CT
  • Your child's birthday is between September 2, 2021 and September 1, 2022
  • Your child is not Kindergarten age eligible (children who turn 5 on or before September 1st)
  • Your family's annual income falls within the Smart Start Household Income Guidelines (View Smart Start Income Guidelines)

If you believe you meet the criteria above, please note the following:

  • To complete an initial application for the Smart Start Preschool Program, please use the link below. More specific information about the program will be included in the application packet. 
  • Submitting an application does not guarantee a spot in the program. Students are selected based on meeting specific age and income qualifications.
  • Once your application is reviewed, our registration team will contact you to discuss the program and next steps.
  • Before and after school care is not provided.
  • Parents are responsible for transportation to and from school. There is NO bus transportation provided.

Program Calendar and Hours

  • The Manchester Smart Start Preschool Program follows the Manchester Public Schools calendar.
  • Session hours are:
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30am-2:30pm
    • Wednesday: 8:30am-11:00am

Click here to apply for the Smart Start Preschool Program (2026-2027)