Hamilton Avenue School Launches Free Extended Day Preschool Pilot For Greenwich Families

GREENWICH, CT — Hamilton Avenue School has launched a pilot program for extended day preschool, expanding access to early childhood education at no additional cost to families, according to a recent announcement.

The program, known as PreK Play, began earlier this month and allows families to opt for a later dismissal for preschool students.

The curriculum was designed as an extension of Greenwich United Way’s Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions program and is intended to provide added flexibility for working parents while giving students additional instructional time.

Funding for the program was provided through a donor to Greenwich United Way. The program debuted with 16 students enrolled, and it is staffed by two Greenwich Public Schools teachers serving as liaisons, along with three paraprofessionals who provide instruction.

"The PreK Play program at Hamilton Avenue is proving to be a vital success, transforming the hours after school into a launchpad for our youngest learners," said Kathryn Natale, program coordinator for preschool and out-of-district placements with GPS, in a news release. "By blending a safe, familiar environment with intentional play-based enrichment, we’re not just supporting working families, we're ensuring every child, regardless of background, gains the confidence and social-emotional foundation essential for long-term academic success."

Greenwich United Way collaborated with GPS to develop the program’s structure and schedule, drawing on its experience through the Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions initiative.

A preschool instructional coach from Greenwich United Way serves as an advisor to help ensure the PreK Play program mirrors the regular school-day curriculum.

"Hamilton Avenue School’s extended preschool day reflects the type of evidence-based, partnership-driven solutions we aim to advance through our Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions program as we work to narrow the achievement gap in Greenwich," said Greenwich United Way CEO David Rabin, in a news release.

"High-quality early childhood experiences are among the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. By removing cost barriers and expanding access, we help ensure more Greenwich children enter kindergarten ready to thrive. The program will be evaluated throughout the school year to assess outcomes and explore opportunities for expansion to additional schools."