MARION — Openings are still available in the Sippican School's Project GROW preschool program.

Project GROW was established in an effort to provide high-quality preschooling to children in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.

The goal of the program is to provide preschool to children whose families have been unable to enroll in another program and who desire a preschool experience. The program also aims to provide an inclusive learning environment to children with special needs.

"Preschool prepares children for their future. It serves as a foundation for students to grow socially, emotionally and academically," said ORR Superintendent Michael Nelson. "All students deserve the opportunity to attend a high-quality preschool and we are so happy to be able to offer it to those in our community."

The program consists of two classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, costing $2,520 per year, and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, costing $3,780 per year.

Classes take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and follow the public school calendar.

Openings are available to all children who reside in Marion and will reach the age of three before Sept. 1, 2021.

Preference is given to children who may be considered educationally at risk, children who have special needs, children with no preschool experience, children in foster care, children who have experienced homelessness and families that meet tuition assistance eligibility guidelines. Preference is also given to those with parents who have special needs or a disability, parents in active military service, teen parents and children cared for by a grandparent or guardian.

There will be many opportunities for parents and guardians to get involved in their child's educational experience through the program and they are encouraged to participate.

Parents and guardians are reminded that they are responsible for providing transportation to and from the program each day.

Each preschool class is staffed by a certified teacher and assistant. The program aligns with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and follows the High/Scope curriculum.

To register, go to familyid.com/programs/2021-2022-grow-application.