Click Here To See Items Needed For The First Day Of School
A Message From The Principal:
Dear James A. Garfield Early Childhood Learning Center Families,
Welcome! I am looking forward to seeing everyone during Meet & Greet on Wednesday, September 2nd at 1:00 PM. Meet & Greet is a beneficial opportunity for your child to visit their classroom and meet their teachers. Below you will find Important Information about Morning Drop Off Procedures. During morning drop off, vehicles enter the campus as staff members come to the vehicles to bring the children inside the school building. During Meet & Greet, you will be provided with a Student Identification Badge. We ask that you attach the student identification badge to your child’s book bag with the zip tie we provide. The badge needs to be visible for the staff member who comes to your vehicle. Drop off begins at 8:05 AM. The parking lot will open at 8:00 AM for vehicles to enter. Anyone arriving after 8:20 AM will be marked tardy.
Morning Drop Off Procedures For Students Arriving By Vehicle:
1. Make sure your child has the student identification badge attached to their book bag.
2. Pull into the school parking lot and drive up to the front of the school. Stay close to the curb.
3. Be sure to remain in line with all vehicles as they process through the drop off line.
4. Never go around another vehicle.
5. Be sure to be aware of and to yield all pedestrians.
6. Do not go over 5 miles per hour.
7. Stay in your car. Staff will help the children out of the car.
Morning Drop Off Procedures For Walk-Up Students:
1. Make sure your child has the student identification badge attached to their book bag.
2. Enter the campus through the main entrance off Ray Street.
3. Walk on the sidewalk.
4. Walk to the playground area where you will see a sign that reads, Walk-Up Students Stop Here.
(For the safety of all students, the playground equipment cannot be utilized while waiting for school to begin.)
5. A staff member will meet you and your child on the line. A staff member will walk your child into the school building.
We need everyone’s help to make our morning drop off procedures a successful process, while keeping it safe and speedy. Please be patient as the drop off line may take longer during the first two weeks of school.
Morning Drop Off Procedures For Bus Students:
1. Make sure your child has the student identification badge attached to their book bag.
Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures:
For afternoon pick-up, students will line up outside in their designated area. Cars are not permitted to enter the parking lot in the afternoon.
When parking on local streets, you are reminded to always be mindful and always obey posted street signs. Do not obstruct driveways, double park, block fire hydrants and/or park in the factory complex on Kipp Avenue in Elmwood Park. We thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this very important parking matter.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Nicole Grillo, Ed.D.
Principal
Sincerely,
Nicole Grillo, Ed.D.
Principal
Important Information Regarding Parking On The Street:
When parking on local streets, you are reminded to always be mindful and always obey posted street signs. Do not obstruct driveways, double park, block fire hydrants and/or park in the factory complex on Kipp Avenue in Elmwood Park. We thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this very important parking matter.
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Mission Statement
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 assist them in developing in all educational domains-academic, cognitive, social –emotional and physical.
The educational community of Garfield believes that the ultimate goal of each school is to provide intellectual experiences within the context of a multi-cultural setting. This environment will enable each student to achieve their maximum potential. Each school shall seek to assist every student in the development of social skills and moral attitudes needed to successfully meet the challenges of a complex, dynamic, and everchanging world. Each school shall continue to cultivate an appreciation of cultural and aesthetic values so that each student can make choices indicative of a knowledgeable and contributing member of a democratic society. To fulfill this role, the district is committed to creating a flexible educational environment addressing the individualities and potentialities of each student. The staff will endeavor to complete the development of a thinking, tolerant person, well prepared to meet the challenges of school and the life they choose to encounter.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Young children learn best when provided with developmentally appropriate practices that are both individualized and age appropriate. Within this philosophy, equal attention is given to all four areas of development (social, emotional, physical and intellectual). Children are provided with a wide variety of materials and activities within a print-rich classroom. The early childhood teachers provide leadership in developing a child-centered classroom and facilitate cooperation and communication between family, school and community, so that each child will learn and develop to his/her full potential. We believe that parents are the first and primary teachers of their children, and are viewed as equal partners in their child’s education. We also believe that parents will join us in a partnership and take responsibility for preparing and developing their children to be receptive and active learners.
Garfield Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC)
Mission Statement:
The Early Childhood Advisory Council is to provide an opportunity for local stakeholders in the education and welfare of pre-school age students to participate in community wide planning as conducted by the school district. In addition, the council is to review progress towards full implementation of high-quality programs, regardless of venue, and to consider and propose resolution of issues that arise during implementation.
When families, schools, and community institutions collectively agree upon their goals and decide how to reach them everyone will benefit. By all of us working together the schools, families, and communities can prepare for a more promising future.
Goals and Visions:
Identify with the council members what each stakeholder can bring to the Garfield Preschool Program.Continue to increase family involvement in the preschool program.Assess the needs of families with preschool children with and without special needs and develop workshops and activities for families and students. Conduct periodical reviews of our outreach program to ensure all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds are being served by our preschool program. Identify and assess what the Garfield Preschool Program has accomplished in relation to the DOE guidelines and in relation to the SAVS. Continue to infuse a multicultural program throughout the preschool program. Work in collaboration with the transition committee to ensure a smooth transition for students. (2025-2026 School Year – updated)