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Early Childhood Learning

Early Childhood Learning

 

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

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

Our Nine Areas of Development

Children grow in many different ways.

Our early childhood programs support development in nine key learning areas:

Social & Emotional

Physical

Language

Cognitive

Literacy

Mathematics

Science & Technology

Social Studies

The Arts

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

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—mealtime, errands, or bedtime—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 color, 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.

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 build partnerships between home and school.

Join Virtual Meeting

2025-2026 Schedule Time: 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2025 Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Monday, February 23, 2026 (Snow Date: Monday, March 2, 2026) Monday, April 20, 2026

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

Early Childhood Staff Contacts

  • 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
    Send Email

  • Mrs. Danielle Smith
    Preschool Instructional Coach

  • Mrs. Christina Spaman
    Preschool Nurse

    Send Email