School Committee expands Pre-K program to meet growing demand and addresses registration process

The Taunton School Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing early childhood education by approving a new online registration system for its full-day pre-kindergarten program. This decision, made during the March 5, 2025 meeting, aims to streamline the enrollment process and address the high demand for pre-k slots in the district.

Currently, Taunton offers six full-day pre-k classes, each accommodating 20 students, but the demand far exceeds availability. With many families eager to enroll their children, the committee noted that a waitlist is often necessary. The new online registration system is designed to provide equitable access for all families, allowing them to register from home rather than waiting in long lines on sign-up day. This change is expected to alleviate the stress associated with the traditional registration process, where families often arrive hours early to secure a spot.

The committee emphasized that the online registration will open for the entire month of April, ensuring that all families have an equal opportunity to enroll their children, regardless of when they register within that timeframe. Once the registration period closes, a lottery system will determine which students receive the available slots, further promoting fairness in the selection process.

Committee members expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of pre-k education in preparing children for kindergarten. Superintendent and leadership team members were commended for their efforts in expanding the program, which reflects the growing interest from families in the community.

As the committee moves forward with this initiative, they aim to create more spaces for pre-k students in the future, addressing the ongoing demand and ensuring that all interested families have access to quality early education. The next steps will involve implementing the online registration system and monitoring its effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community.