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Early Childhood

Early Childhood

 

Monroe Township Public Schools is committed to providing high-quality Early Childhood experiences that help children develop the confidence, skills, and curiosity needed for lifelong learning.

Through meaningful play, strong family partnerships, and collaborative teamwork, we support your child's growth from the very beginning of their educational journey.

 

Questions? See our Early Childhood Staff Contacts List below.

colorful school room with objects and supplies

  • Ms. Stephanie Dougherty
    Director of Early Childhood

    Send E-Mail

  • Mrs. Jeanne Leighton
    Preschool Administrative Assistant

    Send Email

  • Mrs. Karen Carino
    Preschool Intervention and Referral Specialist

    Send E-Mail

  •  

    Ms. Katherine Costello

    Preschool Social Worker

    Send Email

  • Mrs. Lori O'Toole
    Preschool Instructional Coach

    Send E-Mail

  • Mrs. Karen Pedano
    Preschool Intervention & Referral Specialist
    Community Parent Involvment Specialist
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  • Mrs. Danielle Smith
    Preschool Instructional Coach

  • Mrs. Christina Spaman
    Preschool Nurse

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Early Childhood Advisory Council 

 

The Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) is an advisory group of community stakeholders interested in the education and welfare of children in preschool through grade three that is convened by the school district (N.J.A.C. 6A:13A-1.2).

The council works together to strengthen partnerships between families, schools, and the community while supporting high-quality early childhood programs.

 

 

ECAC Meeting Schedule
2026-2027 Schedule

9:30 a.m.

October 12, 2026
December 14, 2026
February 22, 2027
June 7, 2027

Click to Join Virtual Meeting

Transition to School Reading List

Reading Together About Starting School

Reading books about beginning school is a wonderful way to help your child understand what to expect, ease first-day jitters, and build excitement for preschool.

  • The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn


    Froggy Goes to School     by Jonathan London


    Mouse's First Day of School     by Lauren Thompson


    Franklin Goes to School     by Paulette Bourgeois


    The First Day of School     by Michi Fujimoto


    Clifford's First School Day by Norman Bridwell


    The Berenstain Bears Go to School     by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Monroe Township Public Schools uses The Creative Curriculum for Preschool

 

Monroe Township Public Schools preschool classrooms use The Creative Curriculum®, a comprehensive, research-based program that supports development across nine key learning areas:

With this framework, children develop the confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical-thinking skills needed for success. 

Throughout the school year, our educators will foster tailored learning experiences for your child so that they can make progress at their own unique pace.

Social & Emotional

Physical

Language

Cognitive

Literacy

Mathematics

Science & Technology

Social Studies

The Arts

School Readiness Tips

Encourage Social Play

Create opportunities for your child to play with other children to build sharing, cooperation, and friendship skills.

Read Together Every Day

Spend time reading books together and talking about the stories. Daily reading helps build vocabulary and a love of learning.

Talk Throughout the Day

Use everyday routines like mealtimes and errands to ask questions, describe what you're doing, and encourage conversation.

Practice Questions & Answers

Help your child answer simple questions such as their name, age, favorite colors, or how they're feeling.

Build Independence

Practice everyday self-help skills like putting on a jacket, zipping coats, washing hands, and using the restroom independently.

Practice Lunchtime Skills

Let your child practice opening lunch containers, unzipping lunchboxes, and cleaning up after meals, even during a pretend picnic at home.

Questions?

Whether you have questions or you're ready to enroll, we're here to help.

Connect with a member of our Early Childhood team using the Staff Contacts above, or explore the resources below to learn more about our Preschool Lottery and New Student Registration process.

Preschool Lottery

For children entering our Early Childhood Preschool Program.Learn about: Eligibility requirements, lottery information, readiness resources, locations

Explore Preschool Lottery

New Student Registration

Learn about registration requirements, required documents, Kindergarten readiness, and preparing for the first day of school.

Explore New Student Registration