BRIGHT BEGINNINGS INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • Bright Beginnings is an integrated preschool program that meets the needs of special education and regular education students. 

  • Regular education students (typical models) are selected for the program via application and screening. The fee is $3800.00 for the school year. 

  • Preschool students attend West Hill Elementary School. 

  • Classes are held Monday through Thursday. The morning session is 8:45-11:30am and the afternoon session is 12:45-3:30pm. 

  • Each classroom is staffed with a certified teacher and paraprofessionals. 

  • Students also benefit from frequent contact with the Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and BCBA. 

 

If you believe your child would be an appropriate peer model for the preschool program please click here for the application:

Bright Beginnings Peer Information and Registration.

The application window is open through January 30th for the following school year. 

Registration Link
2026-2027 Bright Beginnings Peer Model Application

CONTACT:

Jessie Herman

Director of Special Education & Pupil Services

860-258-7705 x. 31104
                       

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

  • Arrival

  • Greetings/Morning Meeting

  • Outside Time

  • Snack Time

  • Centers

  • Story Time

  • Small Group 

  • Dismissal

SCHOOL TO HOME COMMUNICATION

Bright Beginnings uses a variety of platforms to communicate with families on a regular basis. Teachers and other certified staff can be reached by phone and by email. Classroom teachers will provide families with information on additional methods of communication at the beginning of the school year.

 

Parent teacher conferences are held yearly. 

 

Teachers assist with planning and transition to Kindergarten. Students that attend Bright Beginnings are already confident with the school surroundings and community which eases their transition. 

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation for students placed in the Bright Beginnings program through a PPT will be provided by the Rocky Hill Public Schools. Parents will be expected to provide transportation for their students who are peer models in the program.

TRANSPORTaTION CONTACT:

Amanda Murd

860-258-7701 Ext. 31104

STAFF

860-258-7761

Bright Beginnings has three full time certified teachers, two speech and language pathologists and a number of paraprofessionals assigned to the program. In addition, the school occupational therapists, physical therapist, and Board certified behavior analyst also support the teachers and students.

Cara Faucher- Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor

Jennifer Paragone- Special Education Teacher

Courtney Newcomb - Special Education Teacher

Kate Skoczulek - Special Education Teacher

Kaitlyn Moore - Speech-Language Pathologist

Elaina Rappaport - Speech-Language Pathologist

Lori Bernardi - Occupational Therapist

Stephanie Scaramuzzo - Occupational Therapist Assistant

Margaret Bombaci - Physical Therapist

Emily St. John & Bruce Barger - Board Certified Behavior Analysts


SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRAL INFORMATION

If you believe your child is showing some developmental delays, please contact Jessie Herman.

 

You will need to register your child with RHPS, complete a special education referral form to share your concerns, and attend a meeting with the Bright Beginnings team. 

   

Questions about Development?

Check in and spark healthy early growth and learning with Sparkler!

The CT Office of Early Childhood provides Sparkler for free to all programs serving children 5 and under and to all families with children prenatal – age 5. Through Sparkler, OEC is helping families access screening and support from 211 Child Development and local programs/services. This is at the heart of the State’s Help Me Grow work.

When a family uses Sparkler, they can tap into supports available from 211 Child Development and/or their local school or program that they have linked with via Sparkler. Sparkler is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese on Android and iOS. It offers families tools to monitor children’s social-emotional, cognitive, communication, and physical development, including the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, as well as suggestions for play-based learning activities to support children’s early learning and development. 

Get started today!

  1. Download the App: Download Sparkler from the Google Play Store if you have an Android smartphone or tablet or from the Apple App Store if you use an iPhone or iPad.
  2. Create an Account: Open the app and tap “Create a New Account.”Enter your Sparkler Access Code: RockyHillPS on the first step of registration to link with your local program and access developmental screening. Answer the questions to create an account for your family. 
  3. Spark Early Learning: Use the ASQ to check in on your child’s development, play to learn, discover tips just for parents, and connect to get support!
  4. Questions? Learn more at playsparkler.org/CT. If you have other questions, please email your provider or contact Sparkler for technical support: support@playsparkler.org.
Sparkler