Children with the experience of high quality preschool are well-prepared for their future learning.  In an effort to provide this opportunity to more children, Project GROW was established to serve preschoolers in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. 

The purpose of Project GROW is twofold: to provide a preschool experience to children whose families have been unable to enroll in another program and who desire a preschool experience. And to provide children with special needs the opportunity to receive services in an inclusive preschool learning environment.

The program consists of two classes – one that meets two days per week on Tuesday and Thursday and one that meets three days per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Both classes include mixed ages and coordinators will try to balance the classes by gender.

Each Project GROW class is held at the elementary school of the town the family resides in.  The program runs for four hours per day and follows the public school calendar. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from school each day.

Enrollment is open to all children residing in Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester that will turn 3 prior to September 1, 2019 or will turn 5 years of age prior to September 1, 2019. 

Preference will be given to children who may be considered educationally at risk, children who have had no preschool experience and children of families that meet tuition assistance eligibility guidelines. In addition to family income, foster care and special needs, other child risk factors are considered.

Family risk factors considered are parent(s) with special needs or a disability, homelessness, parent(s) in active military service, teen parent(s), and children cared for by a grandparent or guardian.  

A certified teacher and assistants staff each Project Grow classroom.  The program is based on developmentally appropriate practices and is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

As a family-centered program, parents are expected to play an active, vital role in the child’s educational experience through a wide variety of parent involvement opportunities.

Tuition is subject to change pending School Committee approval.  2019-2020 fees will be posted upon acceptance. For planning purposes the 2018-2019 tuition fees were $1,800/school year for the two day program and $2,700/school year for the three day program

Tuition assistance may be available to families who meet Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care eligibility factors.

The Project GROW online application link is now available on the OLDROCHESTER.ORG main page, under District News.   The deadline for registration is March 1.

Parents or guardians with questions should contact Robin Mobley in the Early Childhood Office at 508-748-1863 or by email at robinmobley@oldrochester.org.