Manchester Launches Preschool Parent Academy To Support Families

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township School District has started two new programs in connection with the new universal preschool program for parents and the community.

The district has launched the Early Childhood Advisory Council and Preschool Parent Academy, with the goal of providing ongoing support for the early childhood programs.

The Early Childhood Advisory Council is to serve as advisory support for the new preschool program, help support the transition as children move from preschool through third grade and serve as a conduit between community needs and resources.

It met for the first time last week, the district said.

"This initial meeting was well attended by entities from all over the township and county who are eager to collaborate such as the YMCA, Manchester Recreation Department, Ocean County College, CIACC, Community Medical Center, Ocean Health Initiatives, OCEAN Inc. Head Start, Hilltop Nursery and Joint Base McGuire," officials said.

The Preschool Parent Academy, which held its first meeting last week, will meet monthly to address topics where families have said they need support.

In November, a Community Needs Assessment survey was distributed to all preschool families, and parents showed the most interest in learning more about ways to encourage their child to read, discipline and behavior management, building self esteem, sibling rivalry, child development, preschool curriculum and preparing for kindergarten.

"As is currently done at the elementary and secondary school levels, the new Universal Preschool Program strives to engage parents and community members in supporting the education of our youngest students here in Manchester Township," said Lori Burns, director of Early Childhood Education. "The attendance of the first Early Childhood Advisory Council and Preschool Parent Academy meetings, along with the conversations and networking that was had at each, has been encouraging. We look forward to growing in partnership with families and our community through these two new initiatives."

Manchester launched the universal preschool program this fall after receiving a grant from the state Department of Education, part of the state's effort to expand access to preschool education.

For more information and registration, please contact Manchester Township School District at 732-350-5900, ext. 2251 or check the district's website.

visit https://www.manchestertwp.org/preschool/registration.

Parents and Community organizations looking to participate in the next Early Childhood Advisory Council and Preschool Parent Academy meetings should contact the Preschool Community and Parent Involvement Specialist, Jessica Brosnan at jbrosnan@mtschools.org.