‘Mini-Mounties’ In Montclair: District Expands Free Pre-K Program

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Public School District is expanding its free preschool program for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Mini-Mounties program – which gets state funding – provides “high-quality, free early education” to eligible families. Learn more here.

For 2025-2026, the district is partnering with five community providers – MCDC, MCPK, MSU, NCICC, and YMCA – along with four district locations, including DLC, Nishuane, CHB, and Hillside.

This expansion brings the total number of classrooms to 29, administrators said.

Interim Superintendent Damen Cooper said the Mini-Mounties program is a “game-changer” for the local community.

“By expanding our partnerships and locations, we're ensuring that every child in Montclair has the opportunity to begin their learning journey in a nurturing, supportive environment,” Cooper said.

“The Mini-Mounties program is growing, and we are thrilled to offer even more opportunities for Montclair families to enroll their children in a high-quality preschool setting,” said Jennifer Finnerty, district supervisor of pupil services.

“Our commitment is to make sure every child has access to the best early childhood education, setting them up for success in school and beyond,” Finnerty said.

• See Related: Millions In Funding Is Coming To Expand Child Care In New Jersey

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for new families will open on Jan. 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. To be eligible, children must be three or four-years-old by Oct. 1, 2025, and reside in Montclair. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. If there are more applicants than available spots, children will be placed on a waiting list based on the order of application.

Families who submit applications by the deadline will receive notifications about their placement status by Jan. 24. Those on the waitlist will be notified as spots become available. Pre-K registration begins on Jan. 27.

All families on the 2024-2025 waitlist who meet eligibility requirements will be offered a spot for the 2025-2026 school year, administrators said.

INFO SESSIONS

A district-wide information session will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 8 for families interested in the Mini-Mounties program. It will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wally Choice Community Center, 45 Maple Avenue.

In addition to the information session, each provider offers individual tours. To attend a tour, families can contact the provider directly via email to schedule a visit. The following tours are available for the 2025-2026 school year:

• MCPK: Tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays (Email: info@montclairprek.org)
• MCDC: To schedule, email: info@mcdcnj.org
• NCICC: To schedule, email: neighborhoodchildcare@verizon.net
• YMCA: Open House on January 4, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM
• DLC: To schedule, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us
• Nishuane: Tour on January 2, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 PM, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us
• CHB: Tour on January 3, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 PM, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us
• Hillside: Tour on January 7, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 PM, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us

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