PEABODY — The School Committee voted unanimously to allow St. John the Baptist School to move forward in lowering its minimum age limit to 2 years old.
St. John’s Preschool Campus, located at 9 Margin St., has two programs. One is for 3 year-olds, and is open to children as young as 2 years and 9 months old, as well as a 4 year-old program. The school accepts students up to 5 years and 11 months, which are in a kindergarten transition classroom.
St. John the Baptist School Principal Valerie Shippen and Early Childhood Coordinator Rosane Osmani requested the committee provide them with a letter of approval to the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to move forward with their plan. The school hopes to add space for eight students and employ two additional teachers after lowering its minimum age limit from 2 years and nine months years old to 2.
Shippen said six of the school’s families have requested the school offer a program for children who are 2 years old for the purpose of providing cost and convenience benefits for families with more than one child.
She named the recent donation of a second-floor bathroom as an example of why the school is prepared to take on additional students.
“We feel much better able to meet the needs of younger children,” Shipped said.
The school already has a room to dedicate for its students between the ages of 2 and 2 years and 8 months.
The committee unanimously voted to provide the school with a letter of approval and assist with the process.
