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Curriculum & Instruction » Early Childhood

Early Childhood

Research in the field of early childhood education has shown that experiences provided in the early years help form the foundations for cognitive, emotional and physical development needed for later learning. The West New York Early Childhood Program is committed to meeting the individual needs of our diverse urban student population by providing a nurturing, harmonious atmosphere which supports each child's inherent love of learning and developing that potential by providing a high quality comprehensive early education program.

All West New York children who have reached the age of three or four by October 1st are eligible.
Registration is ongoing throughout the school year at the registration office, located at PS#3 Annex, 5401 Polk Street, 201-553-4108. Apply online now!

The West New York District Early Childhood expanded program includes the following components:

  • A before care program beginning at 7:30 a.m., which includes breakfast. Parents must enroll.
  • A developmentally appropriate educational program during the school calendar year from 8:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
  • An after-care program beginning at 2:50 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. Parents must enroll.
The school your child will attend depends upon your address. The children are placed in preschool classes that are located nearest to their residence while also taking into account parental choice.
At the present time there is no fee for the services during the school day (8:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.) including registration, field trips, school supplies, etc.  There may be a fee for before and after-school care, as well as for meals.  The fee for such services will depend on your current income.
At present the West New York Early Childhood Program has contracted with Catapult Learning to provide for the children who need before and after care services. They also are available to care for the children when the District schools are closed during certain dates in the school year. For more information call: 201-553-4035 x 69123 or email [email protected].
The school or center will provide breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. A menu indicating these choices will be sent home. Please review it to see if your child likes the food being served. If you decide not to participate on a specific day because of the food being served, please remember to provide food that is healthy and nutritious.
Catapult Learning System offers an all day summer program. Please contact 201-553-4035 ext. 69123 or email [email protected] for further information.
The West New York Preschool Program encourages active parental participation through activities such as: classroom volunteers, parent workshops on timely topics, monthly newsletters, field trip participation and ongoing teacher/parent contact. These activities take place during the school day or evenings based upon parental needs.
More detailed information about the program can be found in the Early Childhood Handbook.