fb-pixel
autorenew Loading...
Oops... looks like something went wrong.
Click here to try again

Office of Early Childhood

Ridgefield Park Preschool Program

Office of EarlyChildhoodRidgefield Park Preschool Program

From Deanne Guastello, Director of Early Childhood From Deanne Guastello, Director of Early Childhood

zoom_out_map
This month, I was fortunate enough to witness a heartwarming Spring surprise. A mother bird chose to build her nest on the wreath hanging on my front door, creating a lovely spectacle for me to observe. It has been a magical experience to watch her tend to her eggs and nurture her young ones with such care.
In the midst of this natural wonder, I am also reveling in the joys of parenthood as my 16-year-old child embarks on new milestones - obtaining his driver's permit. Spending quality time together, while teaching him how to drive reminds me of the precious bond between a parent and child. Each stage of a child's life brings unique moments of growth, and I hold dear the memories of my son's early years when his personality flourished, and his curiosity knew no bounds.
Reflecting on the importance of the early years, I am reminded of the critical role that preschool programs play in nurturing young minds and shaping their view of the world. By providing a secure and stimulating environment, we lay the groundwork for their future learning and development. As we approach the summer season, I encourage you to embrace the simplicity of life and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether it's exploring local parks or embarking on new adventures outside, I hope you make the most of every opportunity to connect with those who matter most.

From Anna Mattesich, Preschool Instructional Coach From Anna Mattesich, Preschool Instructional Coach

zoom_out_map

As the warmer days of summer approach, let's take learning outside and create summer magic! Here are some ideas inspired by the Creative Curriculum:

  • Gather loose parts such as boards, boxes, and milk crates; these make excellent materials for building.
  • Use tape or clothespins to attach paper to a fence, and you have an outside easel.
  • Make your own musical instruments using old pans and kitchen utensils.
  • Start collections of natural items that children can investigate, manipulate, sort, and classify.
  • Build movement stations and obstacle courses that grow and change over time.
  • Grab a book and read together outside.
  • Enjoy a meal or snack outside -- there is a different feeling when we are outdoors.

We hope these summer-inspired ideas bring endless joy and laughter to your family as you explore, play, and learn together.

Preschool Registration Update Preschool Registration Update

We are excited to announce that as of May 30th, we have successfully accommodated all families who have applied for our program. Here is a brief overview of the current status of our programs:

**3-Year-Old Program**

All applicants who have applied for the 3-year-old program have been accommodated. However, please note that we have reached full capacity for our 3-year-old spots. Any new applicants will be added to a waitlist, and as openings become available, we will reach out to individuals in the order of application.

**4-Year-Old Program**

Similarly, all applicants who applied for our 4-year-old program have been successfully accommodated, and we still have remaining spots available. New applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach full capacity. Once all spots are filled, we will initiate a waitlist system.

Ridgefield Park-Early Childhood Advisory Council (RP-ECAC) Ridgefield Park-Early Childhood Advisory Council (RP-ECAC)

zoom_out_map

The Early Childhood Department successfully hosted its first Ridgefield Park-Early Childhood Advisory Council (RP-ECAC) meeting. The RP-ECAC serves as a platform for community stakeholders to collaborate on developing, evaluating, and addressing the needs of the residents of Ridgefield Park. We had an excellent turnout, and we have already begun making progress on important initiatives. Your participation and input are valuable to us, and we would like to extend an invitation for you to join our June meeting. Please complete the form if you are interested: RP-ECAC Member Form

Preschool Classroom Highlights From Around The District Preschool Classroom Highlights From Around The District

zoom_out_map

Co-op Class 1

Exploring the wonderful world of insects with Mrs. Brianne's class at Ridgefield Park Co-Op! πŸœπŸ”πŸŒΏStudents discovered the beauty of tiny critters with magnifying glasses and tweezers in hand during the Insect Study!

zoom_out_map

Little Stars Class 1

Connecting dots between classroom learning and real-life observations, one insect sketch at a time πŸ¦‹πŸ”¬! In Ms. Maria's class, these children are enhancing their learning experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the insect world around them.

zoom_out_map

Grant School

Welcome to the wonderful world of learning in Ms. Steele's class! πŸ“šβœ¨ These students are embracing new experiences and discoveries every day, thanks to materials from All Schools Special Needs. Special shoutout to Ms. A for the captivating Ooblek experiment – solids and liquids never looked so fun!

zoom_out_map

Little Stars Class 2

Ms. Christine and her students are on a roll this month - crafting bald eagles for Memorial Day and creating a class yearbook! Getting Ready for Kindergarten is full steam ahead as they prep for graduation, personalize cap and gown templates, and go on a trip to Lincoln School to visit a kindergarten class! πŸŽ“βœ¨

zoom_out_map

Co-op Class 2

Witness the beauty of nature as Ms. Kelsey's students explore the butterfly lifecycle πŸ¦‹πŸŒΏ It's been all about the lifecycle. Check them out as they celebrate the release of their butterflies into the world! 🌎✨
zoom_out_map

School Visits

Exploring, playing, and learning - our preschool partners had a blast visiting our elementary schools this month! πŸŽ’πŸ“š A day filled with laughter, discovery, and friendly competition as our preschoolers enjoyed a memorable visit to our elementary schools! πŸŽ¨πŸ€

Playground Safety Playground Safety

zoom_out_map

Outdoor play has many benefits for young kids as well as grownups! It provides exercise, fresh air, interaction with nature, and opportunities to use motor muscles in different ways. Before you head out to your favorite park or playground, check out these safety reminders from kidshealth.org!

As summer approaches, exploring different parks and playgrounds can be an exciting adventure for families. From Vogt Park to various other village parks, each outdoor space offers unique recreational opportunities for kids and adults alike. Setting a goal to visit different town parks throughout the summer can provide a fun and enriching experience for the whole family.

Ridgefield Park Summer Recreation Program Ridgefield Park Summer Recreation Program

zoom_out_map

The Ridgefield Park Recreation Department offers a summer camp tailored for children aged 4 to 6th grade, providing a venue for summer fun and activities. Those interested can access further details on the program through the provided link for the Ridgefield Park Summer Recreation Program.

Preschool Program Information Session Preschool Program Information Session

zoom_out_map

Thanks for joining us for the preschool information session on May 15th. If you were unable to attend, you can view the information on our website: https://www.rpps.net/preschool/latest_news

2024-2025 School Calendar 2024-2025 School Calendar

Ridgefield Park Preschool Program
https://www.rpps.net/preschool
Director of Early Childhood: Deanne Guastello, dguastello@rpschools.net

PIC/PIRS: Anna Mattesich, amattesich@rpschools.net

Questions about the registration application should be sent to kthompson@rpschools.net

Questions about medical documents should be sent to eaguilar@rpschools.net

Preschool FAQ

Loading indicator

close