GLEN ROCKCommunity School

The GRCS Preschool provides an environment where children, through active learning principles, will continue to grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically. Children in our program will gain greater confidence and will develop positive attitudes toward school, teachers and their classmates, while they develop skills intended to prepare them for their future school environment. 

Students in our program benefit from field trips, technology, STEM, movement and outdoor play, and creativity through art and music. We have established curriculum which grows each year, in addition to emergent curriculum, which allows teachers and students additional ways to learn, explore and grow organically. 

Our teachers engage the students in stimulating and challenging activities through various teaching methods. They are supportive of all student learning styles and developmental differences. All of our teachers are certified in Elementary or Early Childhood Education and are assisted in class by at least one experienced aide. We are the only preschool affiliated with the Glen Rock School District.

NEW THIS YEAR! GRCS Preschool is offering Before and After Care.  GRCS Preschool is committed to providing a safe and enriching experience for your child(ren).

Hours of Operation:
Before care hours:  7:30 am - 8:45 am, Monday through Friday.  If school has delayed opening, before care will be closed.   Must be at least 3 days/week.  Start date is September 4, 2024.

After care hours:  2:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  If school has early dismissal, after care will be closed.  Must be at least 3 days/week.  Start date is September 5, 2024.

Security, Safety:
Security and safety is a priority in the before and after care program.  Parents are not allowed in the building related to before and after care.

Drop off call 201 - 296 - 1494.  Someone will come and meet you at the door.

Pick up, call 201 - 296 - 1494.  Someone will bring your child to the door,  sign your child out of after care.  Please be punctual when picking up your child.  If you realize you will be late, send your emergency contact or authorized adult.  If you do not pick up by 5:30 pm, the staff will try to contact you, then call your emergency contact.  If your child is picked up after 5:30 pm (based on your pick up time), we will assess a late fee of $3 per minute.  In extreme cases, contact will be made to the Division of Child and Protection or the Glen Rock Police.  If tardiness is ongoing, your child may be withdrawn from the program.

Program Payment & Fees:
GRCS preschool has specified dates for registering, as staffing and planning are essential for the success of the program.  

Ten payments are required per year, one each month, from September through June.  Fees are based on the school year, not the number of days in each month.  Monthly payments are not reduced because of a child’s illness, other absence, school holidays, school breaks or weather related closings.  Tuition is not prorated.  Payment is required by the 5th of the month.  Families are required to be enrolled in the Automatic Bill Pay program, unless other arrangements have been made with the Director.

If school is closed due to any circumstances, outside of planned closings, I/We understand that our before and/or after care tuition will not be refunded if school is closed for up to 5 consecutive school days. I/We will be refunded for day 6 (the 6th consecutive day of closure) and any consecutive days after that school is closed due to unplanned closures. Families will be reimbursed based on pro-rating their schedules, as some students attend the program for less than 5 days a week. Reimbursement will be in the form of credits on the family Community Pass account. Unless this occurs in the month of June and then a credit card refund or check will be issued.
In the event that a lawsuit is filed to collect the outstanding balance, you agree to reimburse the Glen Rock Community School for all costs and expenses incurred in seeking collection of the amount due, including the reimbursement of reasonable attorney’s fees.

Registration Fee:  
A non-refundable $75 per family registration is required when signing up for the program each school year.  

Total Fees due at Registration:  
Registration fee and September tuition(non-refundable).

Late Payment Fee:  
A $25 late fee will be assessed on any payment received after the 5th of the month.  If payments are routinely received after the 5th of each  month, children ma be asked to leave the program.

Change to Registration:  
Schedule changes may be made to before and after care.  All changes must be completed via email message, and there is a $35.00 change fee.  Changes must be received in writing by the 15th of the month to go in effect.

Before Care # of Days /Week Price
3 Days $135.00/month
4 Days $160.00/month
5 Days $225.00/month
Aftercare # of Days/Week Price
3 Days $240.00/month
4 Days $320.00/month
5 Days $400.00/month

Credit Card Information: Please call 201-389-5011 with credit card information for the registration and auto pay.

Snacks:
GRCS preschool after care does not provide snacks, so it may be brought from home.  We are a nut free program.

Children must be 3 years old by Oct. 1st. 

Emergent Academic Skills:  Centers are a wonderful way to engage students and grow curiosity. Math, reading, art and science centers allow the children to explore various themes where they are exposed to words and numbers.

Inquisitive Learners:  This may be the first learning experience in a classroom for a child. The teacher and aide will assist the child in becoming more independent through various structured and unstructured activities. From choosing a book to working at their own pace, students will continue to develop their curiosity.

Social Growth:  Friendships are formed in the classroom. Sharing and conversation will assimilate the children to group environments. The nurturing and safe classroom create a comfortable atmosphere for children to express their evolving personalities.

Creative Expression:  Through visual and performing arts,  children have an opportunity to express and grow their creativity. Participation in drawing, painting, singing and dancing will help develop fine and gross motor skills. Special events and visitors to the class provide additional creative instruction.

Interpretation and Reasoning: Students are asked to interpret stories and scientific findings. Through drawing and verbal expression, students build the foundation for comprehension skills.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and continue exploration through experiments and technology. 

Development and Growth:  During early childhood years, growth and development are highly individual. Children are encouraged to experience the world around them at their own rate, but always in positive progression. Our caring teacher and aide are always available for questions and enjoy giving updates about student growth, as well as addressing any challenges.

Children must be 4 years old by Oct. 1st. 

Academic Foundation & Growth:  Our program follows a curriculum that covers all key learning domains in a fun and developmentally appropriate way for young learners. Language arts lessons follow a balanced literacy approach to teaching reading and writing. Math lessons incorporate hands-on learning activities with the use of manipulatives. Social studies lessons focus on the students and their world around them. Science investigations include the study of apples, pumpkins, butterflies, colors, volcanos, seeds and plants.

Social and Emotional Growth:  Our classroom is child-centered and a safe environment for students to form relationships with peers and teachers. We nurture social interactions and work with students in resolving conflicts as they arise. We practice kindness, respect for others and good manners.

Creative Exploration: Creativity is encouraged and developed through open-ended play in centers. These centers include sensory table, puzzles, games, dramatic play and writing. During the course of the day, students also paint, sing and dance. Special events and visitors to the class provide additional creative instruction.

Fine &  Gross Motor Skills: Each day begins with students building fine motor manipulatives, constructing with play doh, lacing cards, cutting with scissors, building patterns with beads and so on. Gross motor skills are fostered through outdoor play and movement activities in the classroom.

Kindergarten Readiness:  Assessments of students’ learning are taken both formally and informally throughout the year. The assessments are shared with parents during conferences in the spring. Although, parents and the teacher may request a conference at any point during the year to discuss whether a child is socially and emotionally prepared to go to kindergarten. Additional time is spent on this area for extended and full day students.

The preschool experience, is a collaborative one, which involves the parent, student, teacher and Director to make sure the student is receiving the support that they need, whether it be additional help or additional enrichment. 

Teacher Bio: Mrs. Carmela Calbi, [email protected]
Mrs. Calbi has been teaching in the Community School for over 15 years. Previous to teaching Pre-K, she taught 3rd and 5th grades in public school.  After staying home to raise her children, she then taught the Mom & Tot, 2’s, 3’s and Transitional Kindergarten classes in the Community School. She loves seeing her former students around town!  She also loves to cook and travel, especially around Italy.