PRE-K OUR WAY CO-HOSTS LOCAL MEETING WITH MEADOWLANDS AREA YMCA ON EXPANDING PRESCHOOL ACCESS IN BERGEN & HUDSON COUNTIES

LITTLE FERRY, 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 local community meeting with the Meadowlands Area YMCA last Tuesday in Little Ferry on the expansion of early education in Bergen and Hudson Counties.

The meeting provided parents, educators, YMCA members, elected officials and community members both 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 throughout the state as well as to learn 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 the communities of Moonachie, Cliffside Park, Fairview, Wallington in Bergen County, and Guttenberg in Hudson County.

“New Jersey’s high-quality preschool program is built to adapt to the needs of each community and their children, but fewer than 40 New Jersey communities have access to it,” said Sam Crane of Pre-K Our Way. “Working with advocates such as the Meadowlands YMCA, Pre-K Our Way is engaging community members to start a movement for the expansion of these programs. Parents and community members agree that where a child lives should not determine whether they have access to early education programs. Together we will ensure that the State of New Jersey makes pre-k expansion a priority, so our kids are prepared for school and ready for success.”

The Meadowlands Area YMCA is committed to serving its communities through services and programs that build healthy bodies, minds and spirits. The Y provides comprehensive programming designed to make a positive difference in the lives of the youth, adults and families of our community while developing the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

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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.