GPPA 3 was awarded the 2019 Leading for Children Innovative Idea Award. The school was awarded a $2500 prize to be used for future parent involvement activities.
| White | 33% |
| Black | 9% |
| Asian | 1% |
| Hispanic | 57% |
| American Indian or Native Alaskan | 0% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0% |
| Multiracial | 1% |
| Female | 45.2% |
| Male | 54.8% |
| Economically disadvantaged students | 86% |
| Students with disabilities | 11% |
| English learners | 0% |
| Homeless students | 1% |
| Students in foster care | 3% |
| Military-connected students | 0% |
| Migrant students | 0% |
| Grade | Percent of total students | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K | 100% | 104 |
| Incidents per year | |
|---|---|
| Violence | 0 |
| Weapons | 0 |
| Vandalism | 0 |
| Substances | 0 |
| Harassment, intimidation, and bullying | 0 |
| Total incidents | 0 |
| English | 51.0% |
| Spanish | 26.9% |
| Multiple languages | 6.7% |
| Polish | 5.8% |
| Albanian | 4.8% |
| Other | 4.8% |
Learn more about Garfield Public Preschool 3 at Headstart.
The mission of the Garfield Public Preschool is to develop an environment which fosters the growth of all children in becoming creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and responsible members of our community; to instill in them a sense of self-worth, compassion for others, and to assist them in developing in all educational domains-academic, cognitive, social-emotional and physical.
The Garfield Public Preschool utilizes the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, which is a comprehensive, scientifically-based curriculum, aligned to the Teaching Strategies Gold assessment system. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool is a one of the NJ State Department of Education approved curriculum options. Student data is gathered and assessed using the Teaching Strategies Gold online assessment that helps gather important information about each child's learning progressions in each developmental area. We are also utilizing the Second Step program to foster Character Education.
Before and After School Programs are provided through the YMCA. Students are offered before care services at our facility and after care is offered at the YMCA. The YMCA provides bus transportation for students who are enrolled in their program.
The faculty and staff are offered the opportunity to attend out of district professional development. Faculty and staff are provided with embedded professional development to address their individualized needs. PLC's are offered by the Master Teacher and additional topics are selected by the classroom teachers. Common planning periods allow for teacher collaboration on a daily basis.
GPPA 3 has a Preschool Intervention and Referral Team that provides support and interventions to teachers to address the needs of specific students in their classroom. The PIRT Social Worker works in collaboration with the Master Teacher, Family Workers, and Education Liaison to support our students, staff and families. When necessary, students are referred to the Child Study Team for further evaluation. Students with disabilities are provided with Speech, OT, and PT when required through an IEP or 504.
GPPA 3 has a School Nurse that reviews student health records, conducts health screenings, and administers medications when necessary. All screenings are completed no later than October 15th or within 30 days of the student start date. The School Nurse provides the faculty and staff with professional development when needed. Some examples include epi-pen training, hand washing, tooth brushing, etc.
The Preschool Community and Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS) Social Worker oversees the family component of our preschool program. They administer the family needs assessment, plan family involvement activities, and coordinate with the community at large in order to support our families. They offer quarterly parent workshops and host parenting groups that are identified in the needs assessment. THE CPIS SW also works in collaboration with the Head Start Family Workers to ensure the needs of our families are being met. Our Head Start Family Workers conduct home visits to ensure our families are having their needs met. Bi-Monthly parent education opportunities are also offered to any parents who wish to participate.
GPPA 3 is a two story leased facility that houses seven preschool classrooms. All classrooms are located on the first floor of the building. The second floor houses administrative offices, social worker/master teacher office space, family worker offices, and a teacher's lounge. The Principal's office, Nurse's Suite, and Main Office are located on the first floor. Each classroom is a bright and airy environment that is separated into interest areas. Every classroom has a bathroom with child-sized sinks and toilets for student to use independently. In some cases, the bathroom is shared with an adjoining classroom.
GPPA 3 has one security guard who is located at the main entrance. The School Safety Team meets quarterly to review safety plans, address any building concerns, and to review data from parent surveys.
All classrooms are equipped with Smartboards or Promethean Boards, two desktop computers, and iPads. We are currently in the process of replacing our remaining Smartboards with Promethean Boards in an attempt to keep up with the changes in technology.
Our Early Childhood Program promotes student growth through play and by providing students with opportunities to explore the environment in a safe and nurturing environment. We pride ourselves in providing students with an engaging curriculum and a second home. Classrooms are arranged in interest areas to help promote purposeful play. Small children learn through an engaging environment that is print rich and materials that will enhance their cognitive sills. Our Early Childhood Supervisor provides the preschool with support and guidance to enhance our program.
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