MTPS Preschool Program

⭐ Student Criteria 

In order for your child(ren) to be qualified for the MTPS Preschool Program for the 26-27 school year, your child(ren):

• must be 3 or 4 years old on October 1st, 2026
• Children who turn 3 after October 1st, 2026 are not eligible for the 26-27 lottery
• Children who turn 5 before October 2nd, 2026 are not eligible for the preschool program
• must currently reside in the Township of Medford
• must be able to attend five full days per week

⭐ MTPS Preschool Programming

The Medford Township Preschool Program uses The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, a research-based, play-focused approach that supports the development of the whole child. Teachers use intentional, hands-on play experiences to build early literacy, math, and thinking skills while nurturing curiosity, problem-solving, and language development. A strong emphasis is placed on social-emotional learning, helping children develop self-regulation, positive relationships, and confidence as learners through daily routines, guided interactions, and meaningful play. Each classroom includes a mix of 3- and 4-year-old children, allowing students to learn from and support one another in a collaborative environment.

As part of the public school system, our preschool program follows a more structured, school-based model than many private preschools. Communication focuses on learning, growth, and school routines, and while families receive regular updates, it does not include real-time daily reports or ongoing photo sharing throughout the day.

⭐ Preschool Locations

Preschool Expansion Funding has provided the opportunity to offer high-quality preschool classrooms across ten locations throughout Medford Township.

In-district classrooms:

These classrooms are staffed and led by Medford School District staff, including certified teachers, instructional assistants, and building administrators.

• Each of the five elementary schools houses two to four preschool classrooms. Students enrolled in these classrooms reside within the sending area for that elementary school.
• Medford Memorial School houses four preschool classrooms and serves students from any area of Medford.

Private Provider Locations:

These classrooms are staffed and operated by the private provider, using the same district-adopted preschool curriculum as our in-district classrooms. Teachers and instructional assistants are employed by the center and are required to hold the same certifications and qualifications as preschool staff employed by the school district.

Each site is overseen daily by the center director, while district staff provide ongoing oversight, support, and instructional guidance to teachers, assistants, and directors to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment across all UPK classrooms.