Preschool

General Information: The Butler County Educational Service Center, in partnership with Hamilton City School District, offers free preschool for children ages 3–5 at the Fairwood Early Learning Center. Our program serves both typically developing children and children with disabilities, providing inclusive learning experiences that support every child’s growth. Children with disabilities receive priority enrollment. Morning or afternoon programs (no full-day sessions available). There is no cost associated with our preschool program.  Four-day program (Monday through Thursday). Transportation is provided for students with disabilities. About us The Butler County Educational Service Center is partnering with the Hamilton City School District to operate the district’s Preschool Program. The program is licensed by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and has earned a Step Up To Quality Gold rating, reflecting a commitment to high-quality early learning. Our preschool offers free, play-based, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a safe, nurturing environment for children ages three to five, regardless of ability or individual needs. The program serves children residing in the City of Hamilton and operates in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Butler County Educational Service Center and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Eligibility Requirements  Children must be three years old on or before Aug. 13, 2026, during the year they wish to enroll.  Children who are five years old on or before the first day of kindergarten are not eligible. If your child is eligible for kindergarten, he/she is not eligible for this program. Children must reside within the Hamilton City School District.  We do not accept Open Enrollment for our preschool program. Registration Information for 2026-2027 Students currently enrolled in the district’s preschool program will be automatically enrolled upon completion of the re-enrollment form, which will be available each January.  The Application for the lottery will open in February each year.  Preschool openings are filled using a lottery.  Priority for the lottery will be given to students who are 4 years old by Aug 13, 2026, and meet income eligibility for Ohio’s Early Childhood Education Grant.   Applicants who turn 3 years old after Aug 1st or do not meet income eligibility will be placed on a waiting list.    Applications for the lottery will not be considered after the deadline.  All applications received after the deadline will be added to the waiting list.  This deadline does not apply to students with a disability or a suspected disability. After the Lottery Applications must be completed through the Butler County ESC. Families will be notified once their application has been completed.  Special Education Preschool We offer the full continuum of services (General Education, Integrated, and Special Education Resource Classrooms). Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy are offered to eligible students in all of our classrooms. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development or are interested in a developmental screening, please contact one of our Preschool Psychologists. Connie Bittner (connie.bittner@bcesc.org) Elizabeth Rumford (elizabeth.rumford@bcesc.org)

Preschool registration information for the 2026/2027 school year will be completed through the Butler County Educational Service Center.  Please check back for updates.

Preschool enrollment and the waiting list are now closed for the 2025/2026 school year.

If you are interested in a free preschool program, please contact Butler County Educational Service Center at 513-785-6850 or go to BCESC Preschool Inquiry.

About us

The Hamilton City School District  Preschool Program is an Ohio Department of Education and Workforce licensed and Step Up to Quality Gold Award program.  The program provides free, play-based, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment for all children ages three to five, regardless of ability or need. It is for children residing in the city of Hamilton and is governed by the policies and procedures of the Hamilton City School District, as well as those set forth by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

The staff of the Hamilton City School District Preschool Program is certified and participates in continuous Ohio Approved Professional Development each year.  Their professionalism, creativity, and experience combine to make this program a success. Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists are also members of the preschool team. 

General Information

Hamilton City School District offers free preschool to students ages 3-5 at six of the eight elementary buildings.  All classrooms are designated as special education classrooms.   Students with a disability will have priority enrollment. 

• Morning or afternoon programs (no full-day sessions available).
• There is no cost associated with our preschool program. 
• Four-day program (Monday through Thursday).
• Transportation provided  (restrictions apply).

 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Children must be three years old on or before Aug. 1 during the year they wish to enroll. 

• Children who are five years old on or before Aug. 1 are not eligible.

• If your child is eligible for kindergarten, he/she is not eligible for this program.

• Children must reside within the Hamilton City School District.  We do not accept Open Enrollment for our preschool program.

Registration Information for 2025-2026

• Students who are currently attending the district’s preschool program will automatically be enrolled upon the completion of the re-enrollment form which will be available each January. 
• The Application for the lottery will open February each year. 
• Preschool openings are filled using a lottery. 
• In order to be considered for the lottery, a developmental screening must be completed.  You will receive a link upon completion of the registration form to schedule screening for your child.
• Priority for the lottery will be given to students who are 4 years old by Aug 1st and meet income eligibility for Ohio’s Early Childhood Education Grant.  
• Applicants who turn 3 years old by Aug 1st or do not meet income eligibility will be placed on a waiting list.   
• Applications for the lottery will not be considered after the deadline.  All applications received after the deadline will be added to the waiting list.  This deadline does not apply to students with a disability or a suspected disability.

After the Lottery:

• Families who are selected in the lottery will be notified by the Preschool Department about next steps.  
• Registration must be completed through The Enrollment Center.
• Placement will be determined and shared with families in May.
   

Special Education Preschool

• All classrooms are taught by an Intervention Specialist.
• We offer Integrated Preschool classrooms and Special Education Resource Classrooms.
• Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy are offered to eligible students in all of our classrooms.
• If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development or are interested in a developmental screening, please contact one of our Preschool Psychologists.
  • Kerry Atkinson (katkinson@hcsdoh.org)
  • Connie Bittner (cbittner@hcsdoh.org) 

Additional Resources

Preschool Handbook

25/26 Preschool Calendar