The South Hunterdon Regional School District continues to grow their preschool program under a NJ program aimed at expanding universal PreK across the state. An early entrant to the program, SHRSD received initial funding from the state in 2022 and has grown the program each year since with the goal of universal PreK by the 2025-2026 school year. For the 2023-2024 school year, 4 classes are running - three at the Lambertville Public School and one in space rented in a local daycare facility. Expecting to run 5 classrooms in 2024-2025, the full expansion will include 6 classes which means that every 3 and 4 year old child in Lambertville, Stockton and West Amwell will be eligible for high quality early education at no cost to families.
 

The district provides a developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum based on the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations: Standards of Quality. Instruction is provided by a certified Special Education teacher with more than ten years experience at the preschool level. The program is designed to meet the individual needs of children, ages 3-5 years old, who have been determined to have a disability.
 

Our mission:

• To meet the individual needs of each student
• To engage and motivate students in meaningful learning
• To assist students in the process of growing physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually
• To provide an atmosphere of love, acceptance and support so the students become confident in their own abilities
• To build a collaborative relationship between school staff and parents to achieve and sustain shared goals for the children
   

Through the preschool program, families also receive support in early identification and access to needed services. The South Hunterdon Early Childhood Advisory Council (SHECAC) administers a community needs assessment for the preschool program. In addition, the council organizes parent and student play dates, connects families and offers support groups on various topics. This early connection of children and families to resources and to each other, enhances both the learning environment and the greater community. 
 

To enroll your child or learn more about the program expansion, please contact Dr. James Nesmith, Director of Pupil Services for the South Hunterdon Regional School District at 609-397-1311 or james.nesmith@shrsd.org.