Early Learning Development/Pre-K Experiences

The Department of Equity, Curriculum and Instruction defines school readiness as a condition whereby children enter school with:   

• an enthusiasm for learning,
• an ability to function in a social setting,
• age-appropriate communication and problem-solving skills,
• age-appropriate physical and emotional skills, and
• optimal health.

Why High-Quality Pre-Kindergarten?

Numerous studies have shown that students who have participated in high-quality Pre-Kindergarten programs:

• are less likely to repeat a grade, require remedial education, or be placed in special education,
• score higher on achievement tests,
• are more likely to graduate from high-school and go on to college,
• get higher paying salaries as adults, and
• are more likely to stay out of prison and off government assistance.

For publicy funded Montclair licensed Pre-Kindergarten opportunities, please contact staff at one of the following early learning locations. Note that an asterisk (*) indicates that the program offers financial assistance to families.

*Developmental Learning Center (DLC - Montclair School District)
49 Orange Rd., Montclair, NJ 07042
Ages: 3-5 years old
Enrollment: Approx. 70 (general and special education)
Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (before and aftercare available for a fee) 
Financial Assistance: Families eligible for free or reduced lunch and children with disabilities do not have to pay 
Contact: Jennifer Finnerty by email or phone at 973-509-4208

*Montclair Child Development Center (MCDC)
33 Fulton St. Montclair, NJ 07042 and 272 Baldwin St., Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 
Ages: Birth-5 years 
Enrollment: 490 
Hours: 8 a.m-4 p.m.; before and after school care available
Financial Assistance: Free to income-eligible families or children with special needs 
Contact: Katty Quinones by email or phone at 973-783-0220

*Montclair Community Pre-K (MCPK)
49 Orange Rd. Montclair, NJ 07042
Ages: 3-5 years
Enrollment: 224
Hours: Flexible from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Financial Assistance: Sliding scale tuition based on income; no family turned away for inability to pay; Programs for Parents vouchers accepted
Contact: Stephanie Fitzgerald by email or phone at 973-509-4500

*Neighborhood Child Care Center
30 Maple Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042
Ages: 18 months-8 years
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Financial Assistance: Programs for Parents vouchers accepted.
Contact: Avissa Beek by email or phone at 973-744-4228

If you need guidance as you consider the best Pre-Kindergarten experience for your child, please call the Montclair Public Schools’ Pre-Kindergarten parent/guardian hotline at 973-509-4020 and/or Program for Parents. You can reach Program for Parents staff by calling the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) line at 973-744-4050 or you may email your question.