WORCESTER—Worcester Public Schools expands its full-day preschool offerings with the launch of a new targeted program for preschoolers with disabilities in the 2026–27 school year. The changes aim to create 75 additional full-time Pre-K seats across five schools and provide specialized support for 108 preschool-age students.
Students are selected for Pre-K through a lottery system. Applications opened Feb. 9 on Worcester Public Schools’ enrollment page for the coming school year, which begins in September. Families can also contact the Parent Information Center at 508-799-3194. Preschool-age children who have a disability or suspected disability must contact the WPS Special Education Department for an assessment before applying. Children meeting federal income guidelines may also attend Worcester Head Start, operated by WPS.
“Full-day preschool and targeted special education support ensure children enter kindergarten prepared and ready to learn,” Superintendent Brian E. Allen said in the announcement. “We believe this expansion will make a significant difference in creating positive educational outcomes in elementary school.” He added that families have consistently requested more full-day options.
The district also expands its full-day pre-K by repositioning half-day program seats, which frequently have vacancies, while full-day programs operate at capacity. In 2026–27, WPS offer full-day pre-K at 12 schools. The five new sites are McGrath Elementary, Vernon Hill Elementary, Gates Lane Elementary, Norrback Avenue Elementary and Worcester Technical High School, where high school students in the early childhood education program assist professional faculty.
Existing full-day pre-K sites include City View, Clark Street, Goddard, Jacob Hiatt, Nelson Place elementary schools and South High Community School, where high school students also assist. Of the 75 new full-day seats, 35 are reserved for students receiving special education services.
In addition, WPS introduces the communication and readiness enhancement (CARE) program for 108 preschool-age children not enrolled in pre-K but eligible for special education services. CARE provides individualized instruction in small groups based on each child’s individualized education plan (IEP), including services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Families are referred to CARE following an early childhood assessment by the special education department.
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