New Preakness Early Childhood Center Principal Announced

WAYNE, NJ — As of July 3, Jessica Hammond is, officially, the newest principal of the Early Childhood Center at Preakness School.

According to a news release, Hammond began working in the role on July 1, but her hire was announced July 3.

Before starting in Wayne, Hammond supported teachers and administrators as a Preschool Special Education Specialist and a New Jersey Tiered System of Supports Coach for the New Jersey Department of Education.

She currently teaches for both Purdue Global University and Rutgers University.

"Dr. Hammond’s work in Wayne started on July 1st, but her experience in early childhood education, special education, and educational leadership spans over twenty years at the state, local, and university level," said Superintendent Mark Toback. "She is uniquely qualified for this position and we are thrilled to have her join our administrative team."

Hammond began her career in education as a preschool teacher in Leicester, Massachusetts, her hometown. She transitioned into a preschool coordinator there, before spending the next six-years of her career as an Early Childhood Center Principal in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

She moved to New Jersey where she implemented training and conducted research as the Project Coordinator for the National Institute of Early Education Research.