The Palmer School and School of St. Elizabeth Partner with Preschool Advantage

Bernardsville, New Jersey – February 27, 2017. Preschool Advantage is delighted to announce new partnerships with two preschool programs located in Bernardsville. The Palmer School and the School of St. Elizabeth join St. John’s Nursery in working with Preschool Advantage to provide access to a high quality preschool education for families who could not otherwise afford preschool for their children.

In late 2016, Preschool Advantage added the Bernardsville area to the communities it serves and continued to look for quality schools in the area. The Preschool Advantage School Committee visited The Palmer School and the School of St. Elizabeth and was impressed with the quality preschool education at the schools. Preschool Advantage selects partner schools based on five points of quality in preschool education: teacher and child interaction, curriculum, family involvement, staff qualifications and professional development, and management of the school.

The Preschool Advantage School Committee is comprised of numerous current and former preschool directors and teachers who care deeply about early childhood education. Members volunteer to visit the Preschool Advantage partner schools on a three-year cycle to ensure quality is maintained. A checklist has been developed using National Association of the Education of Young Children guidelines, the Grow NJ Kids program and the considerable experience of the Preschool Advantage committee.

Early childhood education encourages brain development and builds the emotional and social skills children need in school. Quality early education is important for all children because 85% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of 5. “While there are federally funded programs to cover the cost of preschool for families living below the poverty line, working families making over that level have limited options” said Molly Dunn, Executive Director for Preschool Advantage. “There are thousands of families in New Jersey who cannot access a quality education for their child. We are committed to addressing this need one child at a time.” Families demonstrating commitment to education and financial need can complete the application for the 2017/2018 school year found at preschooladvantage.org.

Preschool Advantage is a non-profit organization with the vision that all children should have access to high quality early education. Preschool Advantage partners with 18 schools in 13 local towns to fund preschool for children whose families cannot afford it. Together with its donors, supporters, volunteers, and community partners, Preschool Advantage seeks to provide opportunities for a lifetime of learning that will create a better world for its students, their families, and the community. To apply for funding for preschool tuition or learn more about Preschool Advantage, please visit our website at www.preschooladvantage.org.