Welcome to the Early Childhood Program
Principal's Message
We are all delighted to welcome you and the preschool children to
our program. West New York’s Preschool Program provides exciting
opportunities and rich experiences for your child which will help
build a strong foundation for future successes. Our experienced,
dedicated and compassionate staff is ready to work with you to build
a strong bond. As a team, we will ensure all early childhood
children reach their fullest potential as critical thinkers, problem
solvers, and respectful citizens. All of this will be accomplished
in a safe and nurturing environment that is conducive to meeting the
needs of our diverse population.
West New York’s Early Childhood Program has been applauded for
establishing and meeting the many components that entail the
Elements of a High Quality Preschool Program. One of these
components is the researched based Tools of the Mind Program that is
used in all preschool classes. The curriculum objectives are to
develop children’s underlying cognitive skills and specific literacy
skills. Additionally, it focuses on children’s social-emotional
school readiness. Children’s learning styles and developmental
levels are addressed through differentiation of instruction to meet
the individualized learning needs of each student. Parents may
access information about the Tools of the Mind Curriculum at
www.toolsofthemind.org.
Another component of our quality program is the staff. The staff
consists of an assistant principal, supervisors, master teachers,
nurses, highly qualified teachers, certified paraprofessionals, a
Community and Parent Involvement Specialist, Preschool Intervention
and Referral Team members, a Preschool Child Study Team, a social
worker, a speech therapist, a resource teacher, a placement
coordinator, administrative secretaries and custodians who are
dedicated to make this program one of the best.
The Early Childhood Program is assessed on a yearly basis through
the use of multiple instruments. The district also does a self
assessment using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS),
Supports for Early Literacy Assessment (SELA), and Preschool
Classroom Mathematics Inventory (PCMI). The results are used to
address areas of professional development, materials, and to meet
the early childhood guidelines. This process has made the program
what it is today-a high functioning preschool program.
To ensure that all children reach their highest potential, we
encourage a strong home and school connection. The program offers
many parent meetings throughout the school year to discuss topics
that parents have identified through community surveys. During the
school year, you will receive a community survey which will help us
identify your needs as well as the community needs. The Early
Childhood Program offers parent trainers, social workers and family
workers to assist parents with any concerns, suggestions, or advice
that may be needed to ensure children are ready to learn. Every
month parents will receive invitations to parent meetings and other
programs that are offered, such as ESL classes, nutrition classes,
and many more. The program will also have parent conferences, an
Open House and Parents’ Night. Parents will receive the dates
through parent letters, the school website and/or through telephone
messages.
Additionally, our program is housed in multiple school buildings.
Our early childhood classrooms are located at the Early Childhood
School, School Four Annex, and at all elementary schools in the West
New York School District. The program offers fourteen private
provider locations throughout West New York (See attached list of
provider locations and contacts). The program offers wrap around
child care services in the morning and after school. This service
is provided by Catapult Learning for our in-district program. The
same service is offered at our private provider locations. Parents
must apply in order for the children to participate in this
program. Catapult Learning and/or Private Provider Directors can
offer information based on eligibility requirements that must be met
in order to participate in the before and after care program.
To ensure that the school is able to maintain children’s health and
safety, parents should notify the school if any changes take place
in either the child’s address or contact information throughout the
school year. Telephone numbers need to be correct and updated so
that the school can reach parents at all times. On a one session
day, it is important that plans are made to pick up the preschool
student by an adult that has been designated on the authorized
pickup form. We want all our students to feel happy and secure that
they will be leaving on time with a person they know and trust. Your
cooperation is very much appreciated.
Again, I welcome you to our District and Preschool Program. I look
forward to working with the parents and the staff, as well as
meeting the preschool children this year. I am sure your child will
enjoy this school year. Please feel free to contact my office at
(201) 553-4035 if you wish to speak to me.
Rita A. Mendez, Principal
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