Frequently Asked Questions

What are your Public Pre-K class sizes and ratios?

All Mini-Mounties Pre-K classrooms cannot exceed the maximum of 15 children with two full-time staff members. Classrooms are mixed-age groupings, a teacher and paraprofessional.


When does the school day begin and end?

All Mini-Mounties school day programs are 6 hours. Beginning and end times vary by location. Extended or wrap-around care is available at all locations. For specific school day hours and extended care hours and fees, please check each location on our website.


What is the school year calendar for the Mini-Mounties?

DLC, Nishuane, MCPK, Neighborhood Childcare Center, and the YMCA  classrooms will follow the Montclair Public School calendar, including start and end dates, vacations, professional development days for staff, abbreviated days, and school closures for weather/emergencies. Montclair Child Development Center (HeadStart) will follow the MCDC calendar. 


Does my child have to be toilet-trained?

Students in public Pre-K classrooms are not required to be toilet trained. While we recommend families attempt toilet training at home before school, our teachers and staff will assist children with toileting and reinforce the potty training method being used at home.


Who qualifies for the Public Pre-K Program?

All Montclair residents who are 3 years old by 10/1 qualify. Families eligible for free and reduced lunch will be prioritized in the application process, but all Montclair families are eligible for this free Pre-K program.


When can I register my child for the Public Pre-K Program?

The application will be available on January 12, 2024, at 9:00 am. Eligible students will be placed in available spots in the order they are received. Notifications will be sent by January 26, 2024. Registration must be completed within 30 days of placement.


My child already attends one of the public preschool programs, do I have to register again?

If your child is already registered in one of the existing Mini-Mounties Pre-K classrooms, they do not have to update their enrollment until they transition to kindergarten.


What is the age requirement to enroll my child?

All students must be three years old by 10/1. Students eligible for Kindergarten (5 by 10/1) are not eligible for Mini-Mounties PreK.


What documents are required for enrollment in the Montclair Public School Pre-K program?

Once placement notification is received, Incoming students must submit proof of Montclair residency, a copy of the child’s birth certificate, NJ universal health record, and proof of immunizations.


Will my child be eligible for transportation to and from MCPK?

Mini-Mounties PreK students who live more than 2 miles from their location qualify for busing. Eligibility will be determined by the MPS Transportation Department.


What is the educational program for the Mini-Mounties?

The implementation of a play-based curriculum in pre-kindergarten is crucial for fostering holistic development, as it recognizes that play is the natural mode of learning for young children, promoting cognitive, social, and emotional skills in an engaging and enjoyable manner. The adoption of a play-based, state-approved curriculum across all locations ensures a standardized and effective approach, guaranteeing that children receive a well-rounded education that aligns with developmental milestones and educational standards.

DLC, Nishuane, MCPK, Neighborhood Childcare Center, and the YMCA  classrooms use the Tools of the Mind (TOM) curriculum. TOM  is a research-based early childhood model based on the developmental theories of Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky. The program combines teacher professional development with a comprehensive innovative curriculum that helps young children to develop the cognitive, social-emotional, self-regulatory, and foundational academic skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. 

MCDC (HeadStart) classrooms use the High Scope curriculum. The HighScope preschool curriculum is an educational approach that emphasizes active learning and hands-on experiences for young children. Developed in the 1960s, it is based on the belief that children learn best through active engagement with their environment and encourages a child's initiative and decision-making. The play-based curriculum includes a daily routine, key developmental areas, and the use of a plan-do-review process to foster a child's intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

What are the teacher qualifications in Public Pre-K classrooms?

Mini-Mounties PreK classroom teachers are required to be certified by the State of New Jersey in Early Childhood Education (P-3 Certification).


What are the vaccination requirements for my child?

State law requires all children to be up-to-date on immunizations. Children must also receive a flu vaccine between October 1st and December 15th.


Are twins guaranteed placement at the same school? Will they be in the same classroom if requested by parents/guardians?

The placement process will prioritize siblings in the same school. Classroom placement is determined by each location, however, all locations value family input. If you would like your twins in the same classrooms, please reach out to the location directly.


If my child is currently enrolled in a preschool program, will I be able to request a transfer to another school?

Families will be offered a spot in one school, and transfers will only be considered if siblings are enrolled in the same location.


Where can I find before and aftercare info for each site?

Please refer to each location for before and aftercare information.


What information is needed for the application process?

To enroll on January 12th, families need basic student information and location preferences. After placement notification, families will be required to upload additional documents (proof of Montclair residency, a copy of the child’s birth certificate, NJ universal health record, and proof of immunizations) into the MPS online registration portal.


How many classes in each location?

For 2024-2025, the number of classes in each location is as follows:

Are you picking/ranking schools in order of preference?

Families will be asked to rank their locations in order of preferences. While we consider these preferences, there is no guarantee of securing one of your top three choices.


If a child is already registered for evaluations, will I be able to apply for a spot?

Yes, you can apply for a spot. If eligible for special education, the IEP team will assist in the placement process.


Do I need to fill out different registration forms for twins?

Yes, each student must be registered individually.


How does a child show proof of Montclair residency?

Please refer to the MPS website for required registration information. 

 

Does the timing of the application affect the chance of securing a spot?

Yes, applications will be considered in the order they are received. Submitting your application earlier increases the likelihood of securing a spot. 


If one of my children were  guaranteed a seat in the Mini-Mounties program, can I self-pay for my other child to join the same class?

Unfortunately, only students who have been allocated spots through the enrollment process are eligible to attend the class. As such, self-payment for additional seats in the class is not an available option. If the location has additional classrooms that are not part of the Mini-Mounties program, you are encouraged to reach out to them directly regarding availability and tuition.


If my child is on the borderline of the cutoff and they do attend Pre K 3/4 but you want to hold them back for another year before kindergarten, is that an option? Is that free of charge?

Preschool expansion classrooms are intended for 3 and 4-year-old children only, and retention is not an allowable practice.


Will all programming be consistent across locations?

Yes, our commitment is to maintain consistent programming across all locations.


How much outdoor time per day, and when can’t the classroom go outside?

Our daily schedule includes dedicated outdoor time, ensuring children have ample time for outdoor activities. Adjustments may occur due to inclement weather or other circumstances prioritizing safety.


Do they still nap? Have a quiet time?

Yes, our program includes designated times for rest or quiet activities, supporting children's well-being and providing energy for a full day of learning.


Do you have a sample day to share?

While all locations may be a slightly different, in general, all classrooms will follow a schedule similar to:

Arrival/Unpack/Wash hands

Teacher Table Work – fine motor activities

Opening Group

Play Plan/Play Centers

Graphics Practice/Buddy Reading

Lunch

Rest time

Bathroom

Outside time

Snack

Pack up/Closing group

Dismissal

Does the school provide lunch and snacks?

All locations have meals available for children who are eligible for free and reduced lunch. 


Should I tour all Pre Ks? I'm not guaranteed a place yet, and it seems like the touring is done prior to the lottery day.

Yes, we encourage prospective families to tour all PreK locations of interest, preferably before enrollment opens on 1/12/24. While a place at your preferred location is not guaranteed, touring provides valuable insights into the environment, teaching methods, and overall atmosphere of each PreK, helping you make an informed decision in your ranked preference.

If one of my children is guaranteed a seat through the lottery PreK, can I give it to his older brother? Is it transferable within the same family to an older sibling? Unfortunately, the transfer of a Mini-Mounties PreK lottery seat to an older sibling within the same family is not possible. Our classroom placements are carefully considered, and we must adhere to the original assignment.