NOTE: This petition is only for residents of Montville, CT. Please only sign if you live in town.

SUBJECT: Request to Expand the Montville Integrated Preschool Program to a Fourth Classroom

Dear Members of the Montville Board of Education,

I am writing to you today as a deeply invested member of our community to urgently request the allocation of resources and funding to hire a fourth preschool teacher for the Montville Integrated Preschool program. Currently, this essential program is limited to just three classrooms at Oakdale Elementary School. Due to this strict capacity constraint, a vast number of local families are being turned away every year through a restrictive lottery system.

As stated on the district website, the Montville Integrated Preschool provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to deliver special education and related services within an early childhood setting. By purposefully pairing 'typical peers' with students who have developmental disabilities, the program allows children without disabilities to serve as critical role models, particularly in language and social skills. This model is exceptionally valuable, providing immense benefits to every single child involved.

As a parent whose daughter attended the Integrated Preschool three years ago, I can personally attest to the valuable education and experiences she received during her first year in the public school system. The program provided her with a strong educational foundation while also helping her develop meaningful social connections and friendships with her peers. This early experience played an important role in preparing her both academically and socially for the years that followed.

Because this vital program is offered at no cost to families, demand heavily outstrips the available space. The current reality of turning away so many eager applicants via a lottery system is a lost opportunity for our town's children. Furthermore, it places a severe, unexpected financial burden on working parents. Families who are denied a spot in this free, high-quality public program are forced to secure alternative private childcare, which is exceptionally costly and hard to find.

Expanding the program from three classrooms to four is a tangible, highly impactful solution that directly aligns with the educational mission of Montville Public Schools. Adding a fourth teacher and classroom will immediately increase enrollment capacity, maximize local resources, and ensure fewer children are denied the early developmental foundation they deserve.

Thank you for your time, your dedication to our public school system, and your continued commitment to the youngest learners in Montville. I strongly urge the Board to review the current preschool enrollment limits and consider funding a fourth classroom in the upcoming budget. Please find signatures below from other members of our town who support the addition of a fourth preschool teacher.