The EXCEL Inclusive Preschool Program Application is now available for the 2026-2027 school year.

The EXCEL program, Experiential Center for Early Learning, provides children with a high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool program run by professional educators.  The EXCEL program is an inclusive preschool that provides services for children with special needs and their typical peers together within one setting.  Enrollment of students with special needs is done through a Planning and Placement Team process.

Inclusion students, a.k.a. “community friends,” are enrolled through an application and lottery system.  Our community friends receive the benefit of a high-quality preschool program while serving as role models for the children with special needs. Therefore, it is important that the children who participate in the program as community friends demonstrate the following:

1. Age appropriate skills.

2. Possess strong English language skills and social skills to encourage interaction among all children.

3. Be toilet trained and demonstrate independence in the bathroom.

If you are interested in applying for the EXCEL Program as a community friend (role model student), please click on the link for the online application. Applications are due on/before March 1, 2026 in order to be included in the Lottery.  If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the Department of Student Services at 860-354-2654.