271 Second Street

Palisades Park, NJ 07650

Tele. 201.947.2761

Fax. 201.947.0945

The Dr. Charles R. Smith, Jr. Early Childhood Center opened its doors to the graduates of 2024, with anticipated success and enthusiasm. We have proudly served the needs of our students for the past 6 years.  The school serves students enrolled in pre-school disabled, kindergarten, and first grade programs.  We currently have three sections of preschool, six sections of kindergarten, and six sections of first grade- all are full day programs.  Students participate in physical education, music, and art on a weekly basis.  Students are also given the opportunity to participate in World Languages.  A certified teacher provides instruction in either Italian or Spanish. A well-developed curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards is followed in all academic areas.  Our staff supports a caring, compassionate, and cooperative classroom and a creative school environment.

Support is provided to our students in their learning environment.  English Language Learner (ELL), Gifted and Talented, Basic Skills, Special Education, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and behavioral support are all available to students that qualify.  A full-time nurse and licensed social worker remain active in our school.  Classroom aides work closely with teachers to provide assistance and improve instructional time.

Students are given the option of buying a hot lunch every day, a menu is sent home on a monthly basis. We also have extended school care for kindergarteners and first graders.  This fee-based program provides childcare with a licensed staff until 6:00 pm.

All students who are residents of Palisades Park are welcomed at the ECC, a public school.  Kindergarten Registrations begins in March for the following school year.  Three proofs of residency are required, as is a physical by a licensed physician.  All vaccinations must be current.  Students registering for kindergarten must be five by October 1^st of the year he/she is entering kindergarten.

School visitations can take place any day after 3:00 pm, by appointment only.  Please call the main office at 201-947-2761 to schedule an appointment.  I look forward to showcasing our school to you and your child.

Ms. Lauren Reisenauer

Principal/Director of Special Services

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