PRE-K OUR WAY CO-HOSTS LOCAL MEETING WITH CENTRAL OCEAN ROTARY CLUB ON EXPANDING PRESCHOOL ACCESS IN OCEAN COUNTY

TOMS RIVER, N.J. -- Pre-K Our Way, a nonprofit, statewide effort that helps New Jersey’s communities bring high-quality pre-k to their children, co-hosted a community meeting last week with the Central Ocean Rotary Club.

The meeting provided parents, educators, business leaders, elected officials and community members an opportunity to learn how they can use Pre-K Our Way to expand preschool access for three- and four-year olds to more communities in New Jersey and how to get involved in the community-led movement.

Although New Jersey has one of the most successful and high-quality public preschool programs in the country, fewer than 40 communities have access to one of these programs. Pre-K Our Way believes that where a child lives shouldn’t determine whether or not they have access to pre-k. An expansion of preschool under New Jersey law could bring high-quality, public programs to eight Ocean County communities, including: Berkeley Township, Eagleswood Township, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Manchester Township, Ocean Gate School District, Seaside Heights and Tuckerton.

“New Jersey has many challenges and important priorities, but our goal at Pre-K Our Way is to make preschool for New Jersey’s kids one of those priorities,” said Sam Crane of Pre-K Our Way. “Our state’s existing high-quality preschool program is built to adapt to each community, its children and their needs. Pre-K Our Way is working with local communities and organizations such as the Central Ocean Rotary Club to make preschool expansion a priority so that children all throughout New Jersey can be prepared for school and ready for success.”

The Central Ocean Rotary Club (The Club) consists of a diverse group of business and community members who gather to discuss the community’s needs and discover ways to meet them. The Club provides an opportunity for professionals to expand their leadership and professional skills and to network with neighbors and friends.

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Pre-K Our Way, a nonpartisan and nonprofit community-based organization, coordinated through a diverse group of business leaders, parents, foundations, early childhood educators, community leaders interested citizens and elected officials, engages communities on expanding NJ’s existing high-quality public preschool for their children. Visit our website at www.prekourway.org for more information.