Parents and guardians are being invited to Government preschool open days, starting this week.

Children who have turned four by January 1, 2017 and those who will turn four before December 31, 2017, will be able to observe children and teachers engaged in learning together.

Assistant director for Early Childhood Education Dr Sharon B Speir said: “Parents are invited to visit the preschools and experience the wonder of learning, an everyday occurrence in preschool.

“We want parents to visit and ask questions. It is our objective that parents leave feeling comfortable and confident that their child will be welcome and successful in our excellent Government preschools.”

Preschool open houses begin this week and will conclude on February 8. A list of open house dates and times are posted on the Department’s website, www.moed.bm.

Registration for Government preschools takes place on February 6, 7, and 8. Registration forms will be available during those dates at the preschools or can be downloaded from the government website, moed.bm. A copy of the birth certificate or passport is also required. Parents are asked to drop off the completed application package at the preschool in the parish where they reside. These include St David’s Preschool, St George’s Preschool, Victor Scott Preschool and Lagoon Preschool.

Lyceum Preschool will accept applications from residents of Smith’s parish and Hamilton Parish; Devonshire Preschool will accept applications from residents of Smith’s parish and Devonshire Parish; Prospect Preschool will accept applications from residents of Devonshire Parish and Pembroke Parish; Warwick Preschool will accept applications from residents of Southampton Parish who live to the east of the access roads to the Fairmont Southampton Hotel; Southampton Preschool will accept applications from residents of Sandys Parish who live to the east of Scaur Hill.

Families who have requested the preschool in the area of their home will be placed and then those families who have requested a preschool out of their area will be placed given available space. Parents will be notified of their child’s placement by April 2017.