Abbott Preschool Education Program UNION CITY NEW JERSEY

Abbott Preschool Education Program UNION CITY, NEW JERSEY Office of Early Childhood Education Adriana Birne, Principal of Early Childhood Education

Union City Board of Education District Demographics Ø Ø Ø Ø 67, 088 residents in 1. 4 square miles 1990 Census: most densely populated urban community in the United States The Brookings Institute studies rank Union City among the top 92 most economically depressed localities in the US. Union City School District is one of 31 Abbott School Districts in New Jersey 9 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools UCBOE contracts with 36 community providers (early childhood centers) 11, 679 students ( Fall 2004 ASSA Report: Application for School State Aid report) 94% Latino, 97% Minority (Central and South America) 85% do not speak English at home 40% are enrolled in Bilingual/ ESL programs 25% have been in the country less than 3 years 90% receive free or reduced lunch More than 76% of all three year olds are identified as bilingual students. By the time the children enter kindergarten, more than half test out of the bilingual program.

ELEMENTS OF ABBOTT PRESCHOOL PROGRAM 2005 -2006: $16, 364, 957 budget Compliance with the Abbott Preschool Program Contract Comprehensive Student and Family Support Preschool Program Budget (zero based). Review monthly expenditure reports Provide opportunities Teacher Certification Process (P-3) Leadership for high-quality preschool programs; seamless transition into kindergarten… Positive Student Outcomes The goal of the Abbott preschool program is to ensure that high-quality programs are established so that children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

UNION CITY… EVOLUTION OF THE ABBOTT PRESCHOOL PROGRAM Abbott Preschool Children Served: 1998 -2005

Union City Abbott Preschool Program Components: 245 days ØSix hours of comprehensive educational program with an appropriately certified teacher, 180 days a year ØFour hours of “wrap-around services”, 65 days a year ØClass size shall not exceed 15 children ØCertified teacher and teacher assistant for each class ØOne full time family worker for every 45 children and their families being served by the Provider ØHigh-quality learning environment; district must ensure program quality ØAdequate facilities that meet DHS requirements ØDevelopmentally appropriate curriculum that meets the state’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations; Standards of Quality that are linked to NJ’s CCCS ØHealth screening for all children; nutritious meal requirement ØParent involvement opportunities that meet the needs of the families ØRecruitment and Outreach: 90% of eligible preschool population

Union City Abbott Preschool Education Program MEASURING THE IMPACT Preschool Functioning Documents of Guidance: Abbott Preschool Program Implementation Guidelines Self-Assessment Validation System (SAVS) Early Learning Improvement Consortium (ELIC) NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations: Standards of Quality (preschool) NJ Early Assessment System (ELAS) NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards (K-12) (CCCS)

Union City Abbott Preschool Education Program MEASURING THE EFFECTS The long-term benefits of the Abbott preschool program: v. Community Providers v. Children v. Parents v. Teachers Building Excellence in Early Years v. District The goal of the Abbott preschool program is to ensure that high-quality program are established so that children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

Union City Abbott Preschool Education Program 2005: 117 Abbott Preschool Classrooms Teacher Certification Status: Community Providers (103 classes-Providers) (In-District: 9 preschool classes and 5 PSDclasses) * All Teachers hold a P-3 certificate!