Early Education Center

About the Early Education Center

Our state-approved teacher training preschool provides a high-quality learning environment where high school
students, under the direct supervision of certified educators, gain hands-on experience in early childhood
education. The program is for children ages 2 years 9 months until Kindergarten. The program hours are
8:30am - 12:00pm. It runs mid-September through early June and is based on the Blue Hills Regional School
calendar.

The Early Education Center’s philosophy is rooted in research-based best practices, ensuring that children
learn through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences while forming meaningful relationships with
caring adults. Our classroom is designed to be a safe, happy, and stimulating space where each child can
thrive.

 The preschool is an integral part of our four-year vocational Early Education program. Each week, 12–14
student teachers rotate into the classroom, applying their studies in child development, curriculum planning,
classroom management, and developmental assessments. They follow the Massachusetts Department of
Early Education and Care's licensing regulations and Preschool Learning Guidelines. 

At the Early Education Center, we believe children learn best through play and hands-on experiences. Our
curriculum follows the Massachusetts Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences, ensuring that your
child develops the skills needed for kindergarten.

Each day, children engage in free-choice activities, small-group lessons, and outdoor play, fostering
independence, creativity, and problem-solving. Student teachers, under the supervision of Blue Hills
instructors, create skill-based lesson plans that balance teacher-directed learning with child-initiated
exploration. As a process-oriented program, children may not always bring home physical projects, but you
can follow their experiences through Brightwheel updates.

To support early literacy, fine motor skills, and school readiness, we incorporate: 

  • Lively Letters™ – A multisensory reading program that brings letters to life.
  • Handwriting Without Tears® – A hands-on approach to fine motor and handwriting development.
  • Math & STEM Exploration – Engaging activities that build early math and problem-solving skills.
  • Social-Emotional Learning – Encouraging self-regulation, empathy, and teamwork

 

Children may be enrolled for either a two-day session or four day session. 

Days

2024-2025 Annual Tuition

Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday

$1935 per year

(9 payments of $215)

Tuesday-Friday

$3375 per year

(9 payments of $375)


How to apply

Registration for our preschool program opens each spring for the following fall. Currently enrolled families
and their siblings receive priority enrollment, and we welcome new family registrations starting March 1 on
a first-come, first-served basis. Once our program is full, we create a waitlist

For more information, including our Parent Handbook, Tuition Policy, and Enrollment Process, please
explore our website. 

Preschool Tours
We offer morning tours from 8:45–9:10 AM in the month of February. If you are interested in visiting our
preschool, please contact us to schedule a tour!

Apply

2024-2025 Tuition Policy

2024-2025 Parent Handbook

2025-2026 Tuition Policy

2025-2026 Parent Handbook

Contact us!

If you have any other questions or inquiries, please email us at earlyeducationcenter@bluehills.org

 


EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE STAFF

Deborah Connolly

Early Education and Care Aide

Email: dconnolly@bluehills.org

Kirstyn Frizzell

Early Education and Care Instructor

Email: kfrizzell@bluehills.org

Stefanie McNeill

Lead Early Education and Care Instructor

Email: smcneill@bluehills.org