Medford Early Education Program (MEEP)

The Medford Early Education Program (MEEP) is an inclusive preschool program designed to serve students with and without disabilities. There are currently 10 MEEP classes with varying lengths of day:

• Brooks Elementary School: Four classes -  two classrooms, each with an AM or PM session
• Missituk Elementary School: Three classes  - one classroom with an AM or PM session and two with an extended morning session
• Roberts Elementary School: Two classes - a morning session and a mid-day session

MEEP serves students ages 3 through 5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. There are up to 15 children in each class. Up to seven students in each class are students with disabilities whose IEP Teams have placed them in that specific classroom. Up to eight students in each class are students without disabilities who enter through the application process.

Each MEEP class is led by a teacher and has at least 1 paraprofessional. Related service providers such as Physical Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Teachers of the Deaf, Teachers of the Visually Impaired, and Behavior Specialists may also spend time in the classrooms.

The MEEP teachers and staff recognize that the primary goals of early childhood education are to promote independence, self-confidence, self-esteem, and an enthusiasm for learning. These qualities are essential to future educational success.

MEEP is designed to provide children with a safe, secure, and nurturing environment in which they can learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them. MEEP follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Preschool, which address the development of the whole child in areas including cognition, communication, social interaction, play skills, motor abilities, and self-help skills.

The daily MEEP schedule differs by class but all schedules are intended to balance indoor and outdoor periods, active and quiet times, and individual, small group, and whole group activities. The program offers opportunities for a wide variety of experiences; paint, puzzles, clay, play-doh, water, sand, blocks, manipulatives, music, movement, books, and dramatic play. Children are encouraged and taught to make choices among a range of activities, especially those that are based on their own interests and experiences.

A major component of MEEP is to help children develop positive self-esteem and an enjoyment of learning. Emphasis is placed on the child’s capacity to develop and enjoy friendships, to begin to learn to resolve conflicts and to learn respect for the feelings, ideas, and differences of others. The program values each child’s unique abilities and facilitates development at a pace and level consistent with each child’s ability.

Applications must be received by April 30 to be eligible for the May lottery. In the event that your child does not get into a class of your choice, you can opt for your child to be placed on a waiting list. The Waitlist is maintained until January 31 and does not carry over to the following school year.

Families will be notified by email of placement determination within ten days of the lottery. Families must confirm their acceptance of the placement by June 30 by email to MEEPpreschool@medford.k12.ma.us. In additional to tuition there is a yearly $50.00 registration fee. Activation of an account in the FACTS payment system and the nonrefundable $50.00 registration fee must be submitted by July 31 in order to secure the child’s placement.

Teacher Meet and Greet/Orientation Day along with the first and last day for MEEP students will be determined by July 1.

Applications are accepted throughout the year for any openings available after the lottery.

After your child has received a placement determination letter the following must be done to complete your child’s enrollment process and to be eligible to attend MEEP:

1. Email the MEEP Office to confirm your acceptance of placement (MEEPpreschool@medford.k12.ma.us)
2. Return the signed Tuition Agreement to the MEEP Office
3. Complete setup with the FACTS Management System, for fee and tuition payments. The nonrefundable $50.00 registration fee must be submitted by July 31 in order to secure the child’s placement.
4. Complete the enrollment process at the Registration Center at Medford High School. The child must be *fully registered and medically cleared to attend MEEP. *All paperwork submitted and accepted.
5. The first month’s tuition received by FACTS.  The first monthly tuition payment is due on August 20th. Tuition is due on the 20th of the month  from August to May of the school year in order to continue in MEEP. 

If you have questions about the registration process, please email Melissa Pucillo: meeppreschool@medford.k12.ma.us or call  781-393-2333 x5504

If you have concerns about your child’s development, you may participate in an optional free preschool screening. Screenings will take place by appointment only. Once the screening is completed, you will be contacted with the findings, and any recommendations for next steps. Please contact Melissa Pucillo in the MEEP office at 781-393-2333 x5504 to schedule.

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