Preschool Programs

Early Start CT

Beginning July 1, 2025 School Readiness will become Early Start CT.  Early Start - Early Child Development Initiative under Section 10-510 of the Connecticut General Statutes, administered by the Office of Early Childhood (OEC).  This transition comes as part of a statewide effort to streamline early childhood services and ensure that all children in Connecticut have access to high-quality early learning experiences.  The following are participants in Early Start CT:

Kiddie Tech University

Kid's Club

Tutor Time

West Haven Child Development Center

West Haven Community House

Public Pre-K for 3-year-olds

Our public preschool for 3-year-olds is available if your child qualifies for special education services beginning on their 3rd birthday. Bus transportation can be provided within West Haven city limits. Our classes are Monday- Friday in the morning.  Our classes are instructed by special education teachers and have two paraprofessionals to help all of our students with their individual needs.  Once registration documents are completed and medical information has been cleared by the nurse, the student may begin as soon as their 3rd birthday.

Public Pre-K for 4-year-olds

Our public preschool for 4-year-olds is available if your child qualifies for special education services.  Starting in May, we also hold a lottery for “typical” students to join our classroom. Our pre-k classrooms are district wide and placement depends on availability.  No transportation is provided for students joining our classroom via lottery. Our classes are Monday- Friday in the afternoon.  Our classes are instructed by special education teachers and have two paraprofessionals to help all of our students with their individual needs.  Once registration documents are completed and medical information has been cleared by the nurse, the student may begin.

Mackrille, Pagels, Savin Rock, Seth Haley & Washington Schools

Forest School

Registration Information

The following documents are required for registration.

  1. Two proofs of residency… The West Haven Board of Education only accepts: a current lease or mortgage statement and one utility bill (gas, electric, water, phone or cable). The proofs of residency must have parent/guardian name, address and a current date (dated within 30 days). We do not accept driver’s license, bank or credit card statements, insurance or tax bills or any other documents not listed above

  2. Current physical & immunization records

  3. Birth certificate

Quick Links:

Pre-School & School Readiness
West Haven Board of Ed.
355 Main Street
West Haven, CT 06516
203-931-6836

Alma E. Pagels Elementary School
26 Benham Road
West Haven, CT 06516
203-931-6840

Edith E. Mackrille Elementary School
806 Jones Hill Road
West Haven, CT 06516
203-931-6820 

Forest Elementary School
95 Burwell Street
West Haven, CT 06516
203-931-6800

Savin Rock Community School
50 Park Street
West Haven, CT 06516
203-931-6850

Seth G. Haley Elementary School
146 South Street
West Haven, CT 06516
203-931-6810

Washington Elementary School
369 Washington Ave.
West Haven, CT 06516
203-931-6880