The Department of Human Service Programs Preschool program believes that young children learn through play. All classrooms are equipped with activity areas where children explore and engage in developmentally appropriate play and activities that build social-emotional competence and other important school readiness skills.
Six classrooms provide full-day (10 hours a day) and year-long care. Classrooms are open on a reduced schedule on snow days. All programs have a staff-to-teacher ratio of 4 staff to 16 or 17 children. One classroom offers families a half-day, ten-month program.
View Preschool Programs Website .
All preschool programs are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) .
Additional Information VIDEO
The Department of Human Service Programs runs 7 Preschool Programs.
The City of Cambridge offers scholarships based on income, and family size. Fees are determined on a sliding scale.
City Scholarship : The City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs has a limited amount of funds available for tuition assistance for families enrolled in either a DHSP preschool or after school program whose parents/guardians are either working or training 20 hrs or Part-time school (bachelors or associates only). Your family’s total gross income may not exceed $46,550 for a family of 4. As scholarships are based on gross monthly income, family size and Cambridge residency, you will be asked to supply required documentation at the time of registration. Other forms of documentation may also be required where necessary. (PLEASE DO NOT SEND DOCUMENTATION WITH THIS FORM.) For more information call Childcare Enrollment Coordinator at 617-349-6254.Voucher: We accept vouchers for both full-time and part-time Preschool and After-School programs. Vouchers are issued by the CCRC (Childcare Resource Center) located at 130 Bishop Allen Drive, Cambridge. For more information or to be placed on the EEC waitlist, call 617-547-1063.Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Slots: DHSP has a limited number of subsidies funded by (EEC), these subsidies are for parents who are working or training 30 hours weekly or who are full-time students (undergraduates only), earn up to 50% or less of the state median income (approximately $34,512 for a family of three). Families must meet EEC income eligibility and service need guidelines. Parents pay fees based on their gross monthly income. Slots are for Full Day licensed Preschool services only. These slots are waitlisted and are filled upon slot availability. For more information or to be placed on the EEC waitlist, please call 617-547-1063.