LYNN — The city has announced that it has increased the number of available preschool seats for the 2023-24 school year’s lottery. Applications for the preschool lottery will be accepted by Lynn Public Schools until April 29.
“We’re thrilled to be able to provide this significant investment that directly supports the future of our students,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. “Expanding early education ensures that more families in our city have access to programs, and provides the high-quality educational opportunities our students deserve.”
According to a press release from the mayor’s office, the city received the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Grant (CPPI) in 2022 to help expand public preschool access.
“This investment builds on a collaboration between the mayor’s office and Lynn Public Schools to expand early education access to Lynn students in a way that is both equitable and affordable,” the press release said. “Through this grant, the city will address key issues, such as limited preschool capacity and student education gaps.”
The Preschool Integrated Program of Lynn Public Schools is based on need only for its special education sector. General education students have to enter a computer-generated lottery.
Completing a lottery application does not guarantee a child’s spot in the program, according to lynnschools.org.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Debra Ruggiero said that as a former preschool educator, she believes all of the research about early education benefitting children. She said the earlier children can get into school, the sooner their “language acquisition” skills can be developed and any developmental delays can be identified.
“We can elevate their literacy and numeracy so that they’re ready for kindergarten and first grade and beyond,” Ruggiero said. “There’s so much benefit to bringing children in early. For us it comes down to budget always, we have to be able to sustain it.”
The district is always looking to expand the preschool program, she said. Ensuring increased accessibility and affordability is a “key priority,” Ruggiero said, and she is “grateful” for the support from the CPPI grant.
“Through partnerships with Gregg House and LEO Head Start, and data from family surveys, we will be able to strengthen our efforts and guide our decisions in designing a program that is right for our community,” Ruggiero said.
Applications for the preschool lottery program can be found at lynnschools.org, or in person at the School Administration Building, the main office of any Lynn public elementary school, the main desk of the Lynn Public Library, and at the mayor’s office at City Hall.
