The Glen Rock Public School District is proud to share that its Early Childhood Program (ECP) has been thriving since its launch at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year! Families, students, and staff have embraced the program’s engaging, hands-on approach to learning, which supports the development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Building on this strong foundation, the District is excited to provide an update on the program’s progress and the continued enhancements planned for the future.
Since opening in September, the purpose-built Early Childhood Program spaces at 400 Hamilton Avenue have proven to be inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the diverse needs of the three and four year old students. With the support of the Creative Curriculum; three bright and beautiful classrooms; and head teachers, Mrs. Allison Cassin, Ms. Sue Stevens, and Mrs. Nina Pearsall, the program has implemented developmentally appropriate practices and tailored instruction to each child’s stage of growth. Students are receiving personalized support in a nurturing, collaborative setting, and the positive outcomes already observed underscore the strength and success of the program’s design.
Dr. Jennifer MacKay, Director of Special Services, said it has been heartwarming to watch the program take shape as a happy and developmentally rich environment. “I’ve been impressed by how the teachers and support staff have created a strong sense of community so early on with not only each other’s classes, but also the middle and high school.” Dr. MacKay added that children are already establishing routines and demonstrating growth in social-emotional cultivation and early academic skills.
Alongside the program’s research-based, hands-on curriculum that encourages inquiry, problem-solving, and exploration, students also participate in a range of specials that further support creative expression, physical development, and emerging literacy skills. According to Early Childhood Program teacher, Ms. Stevens, the ECP team has designed schedules that bring two or three classes together for specials, celebrations, centers, games, and themed activities. “This provides the students multiple opportunities for socialization and enhanced learning situations,” she explained. “Every Friday is ‘Fun Friday!’ where the three classes come together for RULER, science, and fine/gross motor activities.”
A parent of a student in Ms. Stevens’ Pre-K class shared that her 3-year-old son has quickly grown to love school, noting the warm, welcoming environment the teachers create each day. She said her son feels “safe, excited, and eager to share everything about his day,” adding that the music, gym, art, and library specials, as well as field trips, have become highlights that nurture his enthusiasm for learning. “All of these experiences have truly cultivated a love for learning and a very happy child,” she continued, “which is what matters most to me as a parent. We are so excited for the rest of the year!”
Mrs. Kayla Milewski Croal, whose daughter Hallie is in Mrs. Cassin’s class, echoed the positive experience. She praised the teachers and aides for their care and attentiveness, saying they are “truly amazing,” and noted that watching Hallie happily take a teacher’s hand and walk, stomp, or skip into school each morning is a reassuring sign of how much she enjoys the program.
Dr. MacKay emphasized her pride in the dedication and creativity the staff brings to the Early Childhood Program. While the classrooms are thoughtfully designed, she said it is the teachers who have created a supportive, play-based learning space where children thrive. “The happiness, sense of belonging, and purpose that fills our classrooms every day is contagious,” she shared. “Watching the students gain confidence, form friendships, and make impactful connections with our teachers has been incredibly rewarding to see. Witnessing families embrace the program and rally around its success has reaffirmed just how valuable this addition is to our District.”
Acting Superintendent, Mr. Gregory Van Nest, expressed the administration’s excitement over the Early Childhood Program’s strong start, noting the rapid growth seen in the District’s youngest learners. “The students come in each day with so much curiosity and energy, and it’s been remarkable to watch their growth in such a short time,” he said. “The new classrooms and playground give them the space to explore, learn, and simply enjoy being in school.”
Mrs. Milewski Croal praised the design and functionality of the ECP areas—from bright, welcoming classrooms equipped with age-appropriate bathrooms to the impressive and interactive fenced-in playground. “You can tell all of the teachers have made the classrooms feel like comfortable spaces that the kids love to go to every day,” she said, noting that her daughter often tries to head back toward the playground at dismissal because she enjoys it so much.
Mrs. Cassin highlighted the program’s emphasis on multi-sensory, hands-on learning, explaining that the ECP team works together to create a truly engaging environment. “It is in this supportive setting that our team collaboratively creates experiences that foster curiosity and imagination,” she continued. “The ECP strives to build a community of lifelong learners. It all starts in Pre-K!”
Dr. MacKay noted that parents have expressed appreciation for the program’s nurturing atmosphere, open communication, and the noticeable progress their children are making; they have shared stories of their children thriving.
Mrs. Aysha Mathew, mother of Aaron in Mrs. Pearsall’s class, said her son has grown immensely in confidence, made friends, and reached new academic milestones since joining the ECP. This is the first time Aaron is attending school without his big brother, AJ, yet he walks in each day happy, excited, and eager to learn. “I have loved watching his genuine love of learning blossom over these past three months,” she reiterated. “The classrooms, playground, and overall environment feel warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed for the kids. The teachers are incredible—so kind, patient, and skilled—and they’ve helped Aaron feel supported, engaged, and truly seen. This program has exceeded every expectation.”
The ECP also benefits from a flourishing collaboration with Glen Rock High School’s Child Development students. High school students visit the ECP students regularly, providing them with meaningful opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world interactions with young children. This partnership has also enhanced experiences for the pre-k students. Most recently, ECP students enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the high school community during the first annual ECP Halloween Parade. As the children made their way through the hallways in costume, staff and students across the building came together to cheer them on creating an inviting, inclusive, and memorable celebration.
As this collaboration grows, the District looks forward to expanding structured learning experiences and mentorship opportunities that benefit both the high school and Early Childhood Program students. Mrs. Pearsall emphasized the long-term impact of the program, as it serves as a gateway for children into the Glen Rock Public School District. “Our youngest learners are introduced to tools that they will use throughout their educational career, both for academic and social/emotional learning,” she said. “Each day is an opportunity for students to build a strong love of learning through creativity, exploration, and fun.”
Families can register for the Early Childhood Program’s 2026–27 school year in March, during the same window as Kindergarten registration. With strong parent support, creative programming, and meaningful cross-age collaborations, the ECP continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of the District, setting students on a path of curiosity, growth, and lifelong learning. Mr. Van Nest praised the ECP staff for their dedication and exceptional innovation. “We’re proud to offer Glen Rock families a high-quality experience starting at ages three and four,” he said. “It’s rewarding to know we’re helping our students build a strong foundation and a genuine love of learning right here in Glen Rock.”
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