PRE-K OUR WAY CO-HOSTS LOCAL MEETING WITH RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA ON EXPANDING PRESCHOOL ACCESS IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY

PERTH AMBOY, 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 yesterday with the Raritan Bay Area YMCA.

The meeting provided an opportunity for parents and family members, YMCA members, local elected officials, early education providers, and community and business leaders to learn about how they can use Pre-K Our Way to expand preschool access for 3- and 4- year olds to more communities throughout the state, and learn of ways 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 South River, Carteret, and South Amboy in Middlesex County.

“Pre-K Our Way and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA agree that high-quality preschool is essential to providing a solid foundation for our children’s long-term success. A child’s access to high-quality pre-k shouldn’t depend upon their zip code,” said Sam Crane of Pre-K Our Way. “Through this community meeting, and others like it, we have been able to spark a statewide conversation on expanding New Jersey’s existing high-quality preschool program to more New Jersey communities.”

Since 1912, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA has provided services, programming, and activities for the residents of Perth Amboy, NJ and neighboring communities. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

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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.