About Us
About
Our Program: The Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center (ECELC) is Barnstable's public preschool. ECELC is an inclusive program which educates students ages 3-5 years with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers. We prepare students for Kindergarten success by thoughtfully incorporating concepts and skills into play and thematic activities, so that learning is fun! We want to ensure that your child's first school experiences are positive ones, so that they develop a life long love of learning.
Our Mission: We strive to maximize the achievement of all our young students. We aim to provide children with high-quality social, language, and early academic experiences, which address each child's individual needs in an emotionally and physically safe environment by following developmentally appropriate, best practices for young children of all abilities, embracing diversity, and by providing a standards-based curriculum.
Our Staff: Our staff is what sets us apart from all the rest! Our teachers are highly-qualified, licensed Special Educators with years of experience teaching students of all abilities who are able to expertly match each child's learning style with tailored instruction to meet individual needs. In addition, we have two Speech-Language Therapists, an Occupational Therapist, a Physical Therapist, and a School Psychologist working with our teachers and students to provide any additional support they may need to make progress toward their learning goals.
Main Office
HOURS
Morning Session: 9:00 am - 11:30 am | Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center
50 Old Craigville Road, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone: (508) 790-6493 | Fax: (508) 790-9833
Morning Session (Early Preschool):
Morning classes have a heavier emphasis on teaching students the social-emotional skills (emotion management, establishing relationships, participating in groups) and adaptive skills (self-help, safety awareness, following routines) needed for school success while exposing them to foundational academic concepts. Morning spaces will be reserved for children who are three years of age and younger four year- olds.
Afternoon Session (Pre-Kindergarten):
Afternoon classes will continue to build on the skills listed above, while further emphasizing mastery of literacy and math concepts children need in order to be successful in Kindergarten. Afternoon classes will be reserved for children four years of age and younger than five years-olds (entering Kindergarten the following school year). Having older children attend the afternoon classes prepares them for the full day of school they will experience in Kindergarten.
Curriculum
Preschool Curriculum
Our preschool teachers incorporate the Massachusetts Common Core standards and Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences into all lessons and activities. The learning standards and curriculum guidelines are research-based and are designed to help educators meet children's needs and support children's social, emotional, and academic development.
Learn more here to see what teachers are teaching and students are learning!
FAQ's
- Do you follow a curriculum?
- What does a typical preschool day look like?
- Do peer model students receive the same amount of teacher attention as students with special needs?
- How big are the class sizes?
- How do you assess progress?
- When do I find out about policies and procedures?
- How do teachers communicate with parents?
- How do you discipline?
Do you follow a curriculum?
Yes, Massachusetts standards for preschoolers are embedded into thematic play so that every activity is a meaningful, but fun learning experience for your child. There are currently formal preschool standards in the areas of Literacy, Math, Science, and Social-Emotional Development. Our teachers follow a curriculum map which ensures that each child in our program receives a consistent educational experience.
What does a typical preschool day look like?
A lot can happen in two and a half hours! In this time, children will participate in a Circle Time (a large group meeting in which they engage in music, movement, stories and hands-on lessons), Recess (outdoor play), Snack Time, and Center Time (small group activities which provide opportunity to practice skills, engage socially with peers and create).
Do peer model students receive the same amount of teacher attention as students with special needs?
How big are the class sizes?
How do you assess progress?
We use a developmental, observation-based, early childhood assessment tool called, Teaching Strategies Gold. It allows classroom staff to make note of how each child performs while completing classroom activities. Once entered into the system, the program can monitor growth and compare students to their same aged peers, helping us to plan appropriate next steps for instruction and play. We will communicate your child's developmental levels on this assessment on the report card which will go home in January and in June.
When do I find out about policies and procedures?
If your child is starting on the first day of school in September, there will be an Open House scheduled for you in August. You will be given a handbook and your child’s teacher will fill you in on everything you need to know. Students beginning later in the year, will have a “transition visit” when they can come in to see the classroom and meet the teacher. At that time, parents will receive all information and a handbook. This usually occurs at the same time as your registration appointment.
How do teachers communicate with parents?
All teachers send home weekly newsletters describing the week’s theme, concepts and skills so that parents may reinforce these at home. In addition, teachers will have families download the Remind App, so simple reminders and messages can go directly to your phone. We also keep a Home-School Communication notebook in each child’s backpack for passing written information. Parent-Teacher conferences are held in December, but parents are always welcome to call or email their child’s teacher to set up a meeting.
How do you discipline?
We use an approach called, Positive Intervention Behavior and Supports (PBIS). Much can be found online about this approach. In a nut shell, it is a proactive way to set students up for success using lots of visual supports, direct teaching of expectations, modeling and practice. This eliminates the majority of challenging behavior, however, when needed teachers may redirect, correct, or set appropriate limits.
Kindergarten Questions?
- What age do children enter Kindergarten?
- Where will my child go to Kindergarten?
- I don’t think my child is ready for Kindergarten. Can he/she stay at Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center for an extra year?
- Do I need to register my child for Kindergarten?
- How will my child’s elementary school learn about his/her needs?
- What changes will my child experience when he/she moves on to Kindergarten?
- What type of special education services are available at each elementary school?
- What types of transition activities are available for children transitioning to Kindergarten?
What age do children enter Kindergarten?
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education requires each child to attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he/she attains the age of six (6), but allows each school committee to establish its own minimum permissible age for school attendance, provided that such age is not older than the state mandatory minimum age. The Barnstable policy is to admit a child into kindergarten if he/she is five (5) years of age on or before September 1 of the school year in which he/she enrolls.
Where will my child go to Kindergarten?
Students are assigned to elementary schools based on street address. A child may attend a different elementary school if the parent/guardian applies for and is accepted for school choice. Requests for intra-district school choice should be sent to the Superintendent. Availability of intra-district school choice is dependent upon kindergarten enrollment at each of the schools and the availability of slots. Additionally, ECELC students may choose to apply for the Barnstable Community Innovation School (BCIS) by completing a transfer application.
I don’t think my child is ready for Kindergarten. Can he/she stay at Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center for an extra year?
Retention at preschool for students presenting with developmental delays is not supported. Because the ECELC preschool program only offers half-day classes, children receive more time on learning, additional social experiences (music, gym, art, cafeteria) and have the same comprehensive, high-quality special education support and services when they transition to Kindergarten. If families do not choose to transition a child to Kindergarten, they may choose to enroll him/her in a private preschool and could then access any necessary special education services through the child’s elementary school on an appointment basis.
Do I need to register my child for Kindergarten?
Children who attend Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center do not need to complete the registration process because they are already registered as a student in Barnstable Public Schools. All other children new to the district will need to register for school.
How will my child’s elementary school learn about his/her needs?
Kindergarten screenings will take place on August 31, 2022 and September 1, 2022 at your child’s elementary school. The schools will share information during the summer regarding the screening times being offered. During the screening, children will participate in brief, informal assessments. The information gained will help the school make classroom placement decisions. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) may participate in a modified screening. Additionally, Enoch Cobb Early Learning Center will hold Kindergarten Transition meetings with each elementary school to review the needs of any ECELC students moving on to that school who receive special education services.
What changes will my child experience when he/she moves on to Kindergarten?
Changes from preschool to Kindergarten in Barnstable include: a full day of school, slightly larger class sizes, specials or enrichment classes, lunch in the cafeteria and recess with larger groups of children. All Kindergarten classes have Kindergarten Assistants for a minimum of half-day who help support the students.
What type of special education services are available at each elementary school?
Children who receive special education services have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which details exactly what services he/she will receive. This plan will follow your child from preschool to Kindergarten. Each elementary school is required to provide the services detailed on the IEP. Each elementary school has the same special education staff as ECELC which includes: Special Education Teachers, Physical Therapist, Occupation Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologists, School Psychologists, School Adjustment Counselors and Special Education Assistants. Your child will receive the same comprehensive, high quality special education services no matter which elementary school he/she attends.
What types of transition activities are available for children transitioning to Kindergarten?
Each elementary school offers different transition activities which may include: popsicles with the principal, practice bus rides, orientations or other opportunities to tour the building and learn about school procedures. Please contact your child’s elementary school to find out what offerings are available.