Mission: 

The mission of the Holland Township Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) is to foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure all preschool-aged children have equitable access to high-quality early childhood education. By promoting family engagement, supporting program excellence, and advocating for resources and best practices, the ECAC aims to empower every child to achieve their fullest potential.

Purpose: 

The ECAC shall advise and support the district’s Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) program by:

1. Promoting collaboration among families, schools, and community stakeholders.

2. Ensuring the program meets the developmental needs of all preschool children.

3. Providing feedback on program goals, operations, and effectiveness.

4. Supporting outreach efforts to ensure equitable access to high-quality preschool.

5. Monitoring compliance with New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) guidelines and PEA requirements.

As required under N.J.A.C.6A:13A-4.6, the district board of education shall establish a preschool through grade three early childhood advisory council (ECAC) to review preschool program implementation of high-quality programs, serve as advisory support for the local school district’s preschool program, and support transition as children move from preschool through grade three.

Resources Brochure 

School News

Resources and Services Tab

The “Community and Parent Involvement Specialist” or “CPIS” is a position which coordinates family/school partnerships for the preschool program. By organizing classroom activities, conducting parent workshops, facilitating community resource family events, and leading support groups, the CPIS aims to ensure that every family's preschool journey is both positive and fulfilling.

Please reach out to our CPIS, Stephanie Snyder, with any questions you may have!

NJ DOE Preschool Code: 6A:13A-4.6 Family and community involvement 

Holland Township School District Early Childhood Advisory Council BYLAWS

ARTICLE I: NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION

The name of this Early Childhood Advisory Council that is serving the community of Holland and the Holland School District shall be The Holland Township School District Early Childhood Advisory Council.

ARTICLE II: DEFINITION

The Holland School District Early Childhood Advisory Council is an advisory group that supports the unique, particular needs of the district’s high-quality preschool program and the needs of the preschool children who reside in Holland.

• Early childhood advisory council or “ECAC” means an advisory group of community stakeholders interested in the education and welfare of children in preschool through grade three that is convened by the school district (N.J.A.C.6A:13A-1.2).

• The Holland School District Early Childhood Advisory Council has been organized by the district to participate in community wide planning, to review progress towards full implementation of high-quality preschool programs, and to consider and propose resolution of issues that arise during implementation.

• The membership of the council shall consist of community stakeholders, and include providers and parents/guardians.

• ECAC participates in community-wide planning, as conducted by the district, community needs assessment and self-evaluation.

ARTICLE III: MISSION AND PURPOSE

Part 1: The Mission of The Holland School District Early Childhood Advisory Council:

• To provide an all-inclusive, high-quality education for the Preschool children which reside in the township of Holland. Early childhood is a crucial time in development that requires an environment in which child development can flourish and grow.

• Advise on the planning and implementation of the preschool program.

• Participate in the development of the three-year operational plan under the leadership of the district preschool personnel and committee.

• Support the transition of the children as they move from preschool through grade three.

Part 2: The Purpose of The Holland School District Early Childhood Advisory Council

• To provide a safe and nonjudgmental forum for all members of the council to provide input on early childhood education.

• To support the families and children of Holland as lifelong learners.

• Foster the development of all early learners in the community with planning and implementing programs.

• Conduct a family needs assessment.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERS

The Advisory Council membership is required by code to include representatives of the following groups:

• The Community and Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS)

-holding a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or education.

-coordinate the ECAC

-coordinate family involvement

-coordinate with community agencies and other social personnel

• Early Childhood Supervisor

• Community Stakeholders/ Parents

• Private provider agencies

• Head Start agency (if applicable)

• The Chairperson shall be the Community Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS). All other members can be appointed at the first council meeting.

Terms of Service

• The following positions will have ongoing terms of service: The Parent and Community Involvement Specialist (CPIS) and the Early Childhood Supervisor.

• All other members will have a two-year term of service, renewable at the end of the term.

• Resignation from the council will require two weeks notice, in writing, to the chair of the council.

• Council members will address vacancies at the first meeting following the vacancy. The council will decide what individuals to consider for the vacancy. Positions will be filled within one month of vacancy.

ARTICLE V: ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES

Section 1: Meeting Schedule

• Meetings will be held quarterly during the school year. 

Section 2: Meeting Order

1. Distribute meeting agenda

2. Distribute minutes from previous meeting

3. Group discussion 

4. New Business

ARTICLE VI: AMENDMENTS

Section 1: These BYLAWS may be amended at any time with ⅔ vote at any regular meeting of the ECAC. All amendments have to be reviewed by the Supervisor of Early Childhood.