Integrated Preschool Classrooms

The Integrated Preschool Classrooms provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where children with and without special needs learn, play, and grow together. Each classroom is carefully designed to foster a sense of belonging while offering opportunities for all children to develop their skills at their own pace.

Our curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Preschool Frameworks and enhanced with individualized instruction to support the unique strengths and needs of every child. Through play, exploration, and structured learning experiences, we promote growth in the areas of emotional, social, cognitive, communication, and physical development.

Integrated classrooms are made up of:

Children with developmental delays, identified through assessment and supported by an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Typically developing peer models, who attend on a tuition basis and serve as positive role models for language, behavior, and social interaction

A strong team approach ensures that children benefit from the expertise of teachers, instructional aides, and specialists who may include speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, behavior analysts, and school counselors. Together, this team creates a dynamic learning environment that supports independence, collaboration, and a love of learning.

At the heart of our integrated model is the belief that all children benefit from learning together. By encouraging curiosity, celebrating differences, and providing the right level of support, our classrooms prepare children with the confidence and skills they need for future success.

Intensive Learning Centers

The Intensive Learning Center classroom is designed to provide individualized instruction and support for preschool students who benefit from a more specialized learning environment. These classrooms offer smaller group settings with increased staffing, allowing for targeted teaching, structured routines, and consistent support throughout the school day.

Our focus is on helping each child grow at their own pace while building upon their unique strengths and interests. Instruction is guided by the Massachusetts Preschool Frameworks and adapted through an individualized education plan (IEP) to ensure that goals are meaningful, attainable, and supportive of long-term success.

The program emphasizes the development of communication, social-emotional skills, independence, and early academics within a nurturing and engaging setting. Collaboration among teachers, specialists, and families ensures that every child is provided the tools and encouragement needed to thrive.

At the Intensive Learning Centers, we believe that every child is capable of learning, progressing, and achieving growth when provided with the right support and opportunities.

Meet Our Specialists

In addition to our dedicated classroom teachers and instructional aides, the Early Childhood Program is supported by a team of highly trained specialists. These professionals work collaboratively with staff and families to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Our specialists include:

Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) – Supports the development of communication skills, including speech, language, and social interaction.

Occupational Therapist (OT) – Helps children build independence in daily activities by strengthening fine motor, sensory, and self-help skills.

Physical Therapist (PT) – Promotes gross motor development, coordination, balance, and mobility so children can move confidently in their environment.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – Provides strategies that encourage positive behavior, social skills, and independence through individualized supports.

School Psychologist – Nurtures social-emotional well-being and helps children build the confidence and skills needed for early learning success.

School Nurse – Supports children’s health and safety needs to ensure they are ready to learn each day.

This team approach ensures that instruction is well-rounded, collaborative, and responsive to the unique strengths and needs of each child. Families are active partners in this process, helping us create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Join Our Integrated Preschool as a Peer Model!

Our Integrated Preschool Program offers a warm, engaging, and inclusive environment where children learn and grow together. We are currently accepting applications for peer models—typically developing children who will learn alongside peers identified with disabilities while participating in a rich, play-based curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Preschool Frameworks.

To be considered for enrollment, your child must:

• Be three or four years old by August 31st
• Be toilet trained
• Be an Oxford resident
   

As a peer model, your child will be a positive role model in the classroom and should:

• Demonstrate age-appropriate cognitive, motor, social, and communication skills
• Engage positively with classmates and enjoy making new friends
• Participate in group activities and sustain attention during play and learning
• Follow directions and routines with support from teachers
   

Peer model spots are limited and selected through a lottery process each year. The Oxford Public Schools requires a cost-free developmental screening for all three- and four-year-old children interested in attending. Families who wish to enroll their child should complete and submit a Peer Screening Request Form (see below). Because space for peer models may be limited, a lottery system is used when the number of applications exceeds available placements.Screenings occur each March and April of each school year, however can be done throughout the year if slots are available in the preschool for peers. 

Oxford Public Schools: Screening Request Form

Screenings are held Friday mornings during the school year at:

📍 Oxford Early Childhood Center
Located at Door 11 (rear of Oxford High School)
100 Carbuncle Drive, Oxford, MA 01540

If you have concerns about your child’s development and believe they may need additional support to succeed in school, you have the right to request a special education evaluation.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and Massachusetts Special Education Law (603 CMR 28.00), families can refer their child for an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services.

Evaluations can look at areas such as:

• Communication and language development
• Cognitive and academic skills
• Social and emotional development
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Adaptive and self-help skills

If you are concerned that your child may have a disability that affects their ability to make progress in the general education setting, you can submit a written referral to the school district’s Special Education Department.

For preschool-age children (ages 3–5), please contact:
Patricia Grenier, MSPT CEIS CAGS at Patricia Grenier

You can also request an evaluation via the form below:

Oxford Public Schools: Child Find Evaluation Request Form

Our team will review your request and contact you to discuss next steps in the evaluation process. Early identification and support can make a lasting difference in your child’s success!