Your Kid Missed Pre-K Cutoff? Hoboken Program Expands

HOBOKEN, NJ — A popular program that prepares children to start pre-K in Hudson County will be available to a larger group of parents now that Mile Square Early Learning Center in Hoboken is broadening enrollment to families who live or work in Hudson County.

In addition, they're opening a limited number of seats during summer 2021 for toddlers who qualify.

The program, which runs Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., is offered to children 2.5 to 3.5 years old who will turn 3 after the Sept. 30 cutoff for Public School.

There are four options for the length of the day so that each family can tailor their child’s care to their needs. Families may also choose a 10- or 12-month option.

Unlike the state-funded pre-k programs in Hoboken, the transitional program is not free. But the program accepts vouchers from families who qualify, and, "During this first year of the Preschool Transition Program, the summer 2021, will have a few classrooms at a discounted rate for families who need services."

Mile Square, which provides some of the public 3- and 4-year-old educational programs in Hoboken, will be expanding the Preschool Transition Program with three additional classrooms.

The program is open to children who miss the cutoff date for preschool in Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken and other local Hudson County towns formerly known as low-income "Abbott Districts." Children whose parents work in the area will also be eligible.

Find out the rates and other details with this link.

More information

“The Preschool Transition Program is unquestionably one of our most sought-after resources for parents, and most years there’s a long wait list for admittance,” said Program Director Madelyn Bautista. “With demand so high, we’ve been able to expand the program and offer more opportunities for parents seeking an affordable option for children to learn and grow until they can enroll in Pre-K 3 programs in various cities in Hudson County.”

According to organizers, the program utilizes a fun, theme-based learning model with children using blocks to learn balancing, measuring, and geometric as well as math concepts. Sand and water table play enable children to learn about pouring, measuring, science etc. Puppets, dolls, housekeeping and dramatic play are used to encourage creativity and to develop language skills.

It also uses some elements of Tools of the Mind, which is used by the Hoboken Board of Education for the 3-and 4-year old students.

The Preschool Transition Program will grow from one classroom to four that will be equipped with a wide range of educationally appropriate materials, books and other important educational resources, said a spokesman.

In addition to providing children the tools to enhance math and science skills by using their classroom environment, weather charts, graphs, and surveys, there’s also daily outdoor activities and special trips to allow students to expand their experiences.

The organizers said, "Although we are technically beginning the Preschool Transition Program in the fall, some of our families are asking for care in the Summer of 2021 so will make services available to those in need during this Summer to a limited number of children as the infant toddler program is phased out. We have Preschool Transition Program space available for this purpose. This summer services will be offered at a discounted rate as an incentive to allow us to phase in children at a slower rate and to provide these services to families who need care earlier."

A spokesperson said the program does not provide transportation. It's located in the Rue School building in Hoboken, Third and Garden streets.

For additional program information, rates and how to register your child, please visit http://www.mselc1979.org or call 201-659-6086. Although there is no deadline for enrollment in the Mile Square Early Learning Center Preschool Transition Program, space is limited and will be available on a first come first basis.

Organizers noted, "In addition, many families ask about access to rolling over into the Hoboken Public School’s Early Childhood Program, so we are providing information here about the registration process for that program. The Hoboken Early Childhood program is only for Hoboken residents, but Hudson County has five former Abbott (Early Childhood) Districts. In addition to Hoboken they are West New York, Union City, Jersey City and Harrison. The registration process for each school district is independent from the Mile Square ELC Transition program and separate from one another. Registration for entrance to one of the former Abbott District’s Early Childhood Program usually begins in March or April for the next school year. When the time comes for your child to leave us, families should refer to their school district website for exact information on registration for their school district."

About Mile Square Early Learning Center

Mile Square Early Learning Center, established in 1979, offers neighborhood children and their parents dependable and safe early childhood educational experiences in the Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Program.

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