Applying to WECP
Thank you for your interest in WECP! Our admissions process is simple, but the high demand for our programs means that we maintain a waiting list for most of our classrooms. We suggest that families submit their application as early as possible; waiting lists are prioritized by date of application. Priority is further given to families with siblings enrolled at WECP, children of staff members, children of active Westminster Church members, siblings of school alumni, and children of alumni of the school.
WECP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national/ethnic origin in its educational policies, admissions policies, or scholarship policies. We welcome children and families of all backgrounds and identities into our loving, welcoming community!
“Westminster is such a special place for our children to grow, learn, and be inspired. Children are lovingly greeted each day by the smiles of teachers and staff who offer a nurturing and creative learning environment. Our whole family has been blessed by the special relationships we’ve formed over our seven years here—friendships for our children and friendships with teachers and families that will last well beyond these precious preschool years. Westminster is family”
Anne Timms, WECP Parent
Programs for All Needs & Schedules
We have a variety of developmentally appropriate programs designed to meet the needs of children and their families. All classes are divided by specific age groups, and each group has its own set of teachers. The number of teachers depends on the age and size of the group.
WECP is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Achieving accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process that signifies excellence in early childhood education. WECP is also accredited by QualitySTARS NY.
All-Day Program
- Children 8 weeks to 5 years old
- 10-month or 12-month program options
- Available two, three, or five days a week from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Breakfast and lunch are prepared onsite by our own cooks every day
Morning Program
- Children 2 to 5 years old
- 10-month program
- Available 2, 3, or 5 days a week for 2.5 hours per day
Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)
- Partnership with Buffalo Public Schools
- Available to City of Buffalo residents.
- No cost for 2.5 hours (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM) five days a week
- WECP can provide wraparound care before and after.
- Follows UPK core curriculum and is taught by a NYS certified teacher
Lunch Bunch
- Available to 3 and 4-year-old morning program children who wish to stay for lunch
- Program runs from late September to early June
- Available Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Summer PROGRAM
- Available for 4 and 5-year-olds during July and August
- Families can choose their own days and weeks and half or full-day programs
- Themed weeks, age appropriate activities, and field trips
Enrichment Programs
- WECP partners with outside community organizations to provide additional experiences for students, including Spanish, Suzuki Strings, dance, and yoga
- Parents can choose to sign their children up for an additional fee
All-Day Program
- Children 8 weeks to 5 years old
- 10-month or 12-month program options
- Available two, three, or five days a week from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Breakfast and lunch are prepared onsite by our own cooks every day
Morning Program
- Children 2 to 5 years old
- 10-month program
- Available 2, 3, or 5 days a week for 2.5 hours per day
Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)
- Partnership with Buffalo Public Schools
- Available to City of Buffalo residents.
- No cost for 2.5 hours (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM) five days a week
- WECP can provide wraparound care before and after.
- Follows UPK core curriculum and is taught by a NYS certified teacher
Lunch Bunch
- Available to 3 and 4-year-old morning program children who wish to stay for lunch
- Program runs from late September to early June
- Available Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Summer PROGRAM
- Available for 4 and 5-year-olds during July and August
- Families can choose their own days and weeks and half or full-day programs
- Themed weeks, age appropriate activities, and field trips
Enrichment Programs
- WECP partners with outside community organizations to provide additional experiences for students, including Spanish, Suzuki Strings, dance, and yoga
- Parents can choose to sign their children up for an additional fee
“Our oldest son has a late birthday, so the school district wanted him to start kindergarten at four years old, but we didn't think he was quite ready. We kept him at Westminster for an extra year, and we couldn't be happier with our decision. Not only did he enjoy it, he built up the skills he needed to thrive when he started elementary school. I would recommend WECP to anyone unsure whether his or her child is ready for that next step.”
Matt Gracie, WECP Parent
The Application Process
Applications are accepted throughout the year. To find out more about available openings in specific age groups, contact Todd Bothwell, Associate Director of Admissions, at 716.884.9438 or tbothwell@wecpbuffalo.org.
Completed forms may be emailed to Todd Bothwell at tbothwell@wecpbuffalo.org or delivered to Westminster Early Childhood Programs at 724 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14209.
PAY APPLICATION/Registration FEE
REQUEST A TOUR
Come see the wonderful community at WECP firsthand! Tours are scheduled on an ongoing basis throughout the year. To book a tour, submit the form below or contact Todd Bothwell, Associate Director of Admissions, at 716.884.9438 or tbothwell@wecpbuffalo.org.
Photos by David Ray, Erin Feuerstein, Jessica Ahrens, Julie Kracke, Lisa Grisanti and Mike Shriver