The Program
The Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill offers full- and part-time early education and child care in Northampton for children infancy through preschool. The program serves about 80 children in seven classrooms.
Fort Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round. The annual academic calendar notes the dates the center is closed for professional activities and holidays.
The early childhood program at Fort Hill serves as a laboratory for Smith College. Students and faculty conduct research and observations and complete field work at the site. Students also work in the classrooms through the college’s work-study program.
The program helps to meet the child care needs of Smith College employees. Benefited employees are eligible for tuition grants through the Office of Human Resources.
A 10-week summer program is available to children enrolled for an academic-year.
Programs
2025–26 Academic Year (40 weeks) |
Infant* |
Toddler** |
Preschool*** |
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Class Size (1) |
7 |
9 |
20 |
Child: Teacher Ratio (1) |
3:1 |
4:1 |
10:1 |
Schedule Options |
3, 4 or 5 days (2) |
3, 4 or 5 days (2) |
3, 4 or 5 days (2) |
Program Opens |
8 a.m. |
8 a.m. |
8 a.m. |
Departure Options (3) |
2:45 p.m.; 4:45 p.m. |
2:45 p.m.; 4:45 p.m. |
12:45 p.m.; 2:45 p.m.; 4:45 p.m. |
Calendar (4) |
August 28–May 31 |
August 28–May 31 |
August 28–May 31 |
* Infant: two months–15 months
** Toddler: 15 months–two years and nine months
*** Preschool: three years old by December 1 to five years old
- These figures are based on Massachusetts State Law; actual class sizes and ratios may be lower
- Part-time schedules are accommodated on a space-available basis
- Departure time must be the same for all days of enrollment; extra time may be purchased on a space available basis
- The program closes according to the holiday schedule of Smith College and closes monthly for professional days
2025–26 Academic Calendar Year
Monday, August 11–Friday, August 15: CECE Closed for Annual Maintenance and Repairs
Monday, August 18–Friday, August 22: CECE Professional Days for Academic Year Preparation*
Monday, August 25–Tuesday, August 29: First Week of 2025-2026 Academic Year
Monday, August 25–Tuesday, August 26: Preschool Orientation Days**
Monday, August 25–Friday, August 29: Infant-Toddler Phase-In Period***
Thursday, August 28: Family Welcome Picnic, 5– 6:30 p.m. on playground
Monday, September 1: Labor Day Holiday – CECE Closed
Thursday, September 18: Parent Night, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Monday, October 13: Smith College Fall Break – CECE Closed
Tuesday, October 14: Professional Day — CECE Closed*
Tuesday, November 11: Professional Day – CECE Closed*
Wednesday, November 26–Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Holiday – CECE Closed
Friday, December 19: Professional Day – CECE Closed*
Monday, December 22–Friday, January 2: Winter Break – CECE Closed
Thursday, January 1–Friday, January 2: Winter Break - CECE Closed
Monday, January 5: CECE Reopens with full-day schedule
Friday, January 16: Professional Day – CECE Closed*
Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – CECE Closed
TBD: Annual Open House for Current and Prospective Families
Monday, February 16: Professional Day – CECE Closed*
Monday, March 16–Friday, March 20: Smith College March Break
Monday, March 16: Professional Day – CECE Closed*
Tuesday, March 17–Thursday, March 19: Three-day March Program (Enrollment for this program is conducted in January and limited based on staff availability)****
Friday, March 20: CECE Closed
Thursday, April 23: Professional Day – CECE Closed*
TBD 11:45 Dismissal; Half professional day and College Employee Picnic
Friday, May 15: Professional Day – CECE Closed*
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Holiday – CECE Closed
Friday, May 29: Half-Professional Day – CECE Closed 12-4 p.m.*
*The CECE will be closed on professional days.
**Preschool Orientation Days: Preschool children begin the new year by attending for one day with only half of their class. Children will be assigned either Monday, August 25th or Tuesday, August 26th as their first day, and the whole class will attend together beginning on Wednesday, August 27th.
***For infant-toddler children who are new to the program or transitioning to a new classroom, we encourage families to consider a phase-in plan for your child that allows them to start with a few shorter days at Fort Hill before building up to a full day in the classroom.
****We anticipate offering enrollment for a limited, three-day program on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of Smith’s March Break. Pending the availability of staff, enrollment for the March Program will take place in January. Tuition for the program is paid separately from academic year tuition and spaces are limited.