AlBustan Preschool

AlBustan is the preschool division of Malik Academy,currently serving children from ages 2.9 – 5 years.

Licensing and Accreditation

Since its first days of operation in October 2004, AlBustan has been licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (formally OCCS).  This licensing indicates that our physical facilities, staff, curriculum, governing policies and procedures meet all the requirements for a licensed early education program. To meet the needs of families, we expanded the original license to include extended hours each day and a year-round program. In December 2009, our program received accreditation by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC),  making it the only NAEYC accredited Islamic preschool program in New England and one of a handful through out the US that provides service tailored to the needs of the Muslim community. 

Cambridge Community Partnership for Children

AlBustan Preschool is actively engaged with the Cambridge Community Partnership for Children (CPC). Our director participates in monthly meetings with numerous other preschool program directors across Cambridge and Somerville.  We have been grateful for the collaborative and technical support provided by the staff from the Cambridge CPC on areas of NAEYC accreditation, inclusion, teacher professional development, and parent support.

AlBustan hosts professional development opportunities for members of the Cambridge CPC and our staff has participated in annual educational conferences as well.

Diversity

Malik Academy does not discriminate in student admissions on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, national origin or primary language.

The students and families of AlBustan currently represent a range of ethnic or racial groups, and speak a variety of languages at home. Our student enrollment includes students or parents from more than 14 countries. Native home languages include various dialects of English, Arabic, Urdu, Somali, Turkish and Spanish.

Malik Academy strives to promotes religious tolerance. While the focus of the school provides an Islamic environment for young children, the school does not discriminate on the basis of religion in its hiring or admissions policies. The parents and children affiliated with the school represent religious traditions other than Islam.

Access and class diversity

AlBustan is committed to providing accessible and quality services for the community. Around one-third of families receive some type of tuition support through scholarships from the school, employee discounts, or vouchers from the state.