Preschool Frequently Asked Questions

How can I go about registering?

Registration will be available on the district's website starting January 12, 2026 and ending  February 13, 2026. Registrations outside of this window will NOT be part of the preschool lottery process. 

I registered before January 12, 2025, is that ok?

The lottery for the 2026-2027 school year had not opened yet.  You will need to re-register for the correct school year to be eligible for the lottery. 

I don’t have a way to register online, what can I do?

Please reach out to the Community Parent Involvement Specialist to set up a time to work together.  

Email: Kerianne.Morris@sparta.org 

Call 973-729-3107 ext: 5501

How many seats are available? 

At the current time, we anticipate that we will have approximately between 116  and 176 combined seats available for our 3 and 4 year olds.  We will continue to increase spots based on partner site availability and NJDOE approval. The district’s long term plan is to be able to provide free preschool to the Sparta preschool universe over the next several years. 

When will we receive an answer if we make it into the preschool class or put on the waitlist?

Registration will be open January 12 through February 13, 2026.  Every child who is registered, completes the necessary steps, meets the age criteria, and is a resident of Sparta will be included into the lottery.   It is projected that parents will be informed on March 6th if their child is being offered a seat in one of the classes.  If additional spots open throughout the year, we will move down the waitlist.

Are 4 year olds given priority?

No.  

If my child is selected in the lottery, will they be assigned to the school their sibling is enrolled in? 

There are 6 classes at Alpine Elementary School, 2 classes at Helen Morgan School and 2 at Goddard. Parents will be able to communicate their school preference via a google form.  However, the district is not able to guarantee placement in the school of preference.  We will make every attempt to keep preschoolers of the same family at the same location.  We are NOT able to accommodate building changes or requests for transfers/trades. 

I already have a Genesis username and password for my non-preschool child. How do I create a new profile for my preschooler to submit their documents when registering?

Please note, you will register your student in the online registration system, not the Genesis Parent Portal.  If your student is selected into the Sparta preschool lottery, they will be linked once they are enrolled. 

What about if we were on the waiting list last year?

The wait list is updated annually as family preferences and needs can change, so registration is required each year that you would like to enroll your child.

Will twins be submitted as one in the lottery? Meaning both get in or both will not.

Twins and preschool aged siblings will each need to be registered individually.  If one child is selected via the lottery then both children will be invited to attend the program. 

*Twins are placed in separate classes unless it is requested that they are together. 

What is the cost? 

There is no cost for our universal preschool program through the Sparta Township Preschool.  

Can a 5 year old qualify?

The child must be 3 or 4 on or before October 1, 2025.  If a child turns 5 on or before October 1, 2025, they are not eligible for preschool and would be considered Kindergarten age and we are not able to consider the student for preschool.  

Does Sparta offer a year to grow?

No.  Please reach out to an outside provider for the year to grow options.  

Where will the preschool classes be located? 

Currently, we have preschool locations at Alpine Elementary School, Helen Morgan School, Goddard and Little Genius Planet and will continue to expand once we have NJDOE approval.  

How are things handled administratively through a community partner location?

The community partner schools are also served by the district Preschool Instructional Coach (PIC) and the Preschool Intervention referral specialist (PIRS). Our PIC and PIRS spend a significant amount of time in all of the classroom, including our private provider sites.  

One of the roles of our CPIS (community parent involvement specialist) will be to connect home and school as well as our preschool classrooms to each other. We will also have an ECAC (Early Childhood Advisory Council) which is an “advisory group that supports the unique, particular needs of our  district’s high-quality preschool program.”

What is/are the curriculum? 

All of our classrooms utilize the Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold which is aligned with the NJ Preschool Teaching & Learning Standards.

What are typical class sizes? 

The maximum size for each preschool classroom is 15 students. Both 3 and 4 year old students will be placed in classes together.  

What is the student/teacher ratio? 

There will be one certified teacher and at least one paraprofessional per 15 students.

What is the approach to discipline and character development?

Our preschool students are included in all developmentally appropriate school-wide events and activities. Social-emotional development is a daily focus with Creative Curriculum.

How much play time is incorporated? 

Students will have choice time both in the AM and PM, and Outside Play (30 min) (weather permitting)

Is there a nap time? 

Yes, rest time is offered daily for one hour.  

Do students need to be potty trained prior to beginning the program?

Students do not need to be potty trained for the program and bathrooms are available in each classroom.  Families will take the lead at home and school will help transition the skill to school.

What kind of assistance will be offered if students have a potty accident at school? 

Students will be assisted as needed for an accident.  The goal is always to foster as much independence as appropriate for the individual child. 

What does a normal day look like in the preschool program? 

A sample schedule will be shared. 

What is the time frame in which the kids are in school?

Although each school’s start and end times are different, students must be in attendance for a minimum of six hours, as per the state guidelines. We do not offer a part time program and the district attendance policy will be followed. 

Does preschool have access to before and after care?

Sparta Public Schools do not provide before school or after school care for preschool age students.  If before/aftercare is something you are interested in, please contact one of our partner sites for additional information.

How will lunches and snacks be handled? 

Currently, lunch and 1-2 snack times are provided daily according to the classroom schedule. Parents are to send healthy snacks to school with their child each day. Lunch can be sent in from home or purchased through the cafeteria at our in-district sites once the student is registered via the My Mealtime app. The school lunch menu is posted on the district website. Our partner sites may have days to purchase a special lunch option which they will communicate to families directly. 

How long will this grant be available?

The preschool expansion funding is provided by the state of New Jersey with no anticipated expiration date.

Is bussing available for after school care?

Bussing is available for all students, alternate bus stops can be made pending it is the same stop 5 days a week. An alternate bus stop form will need to be completed. This form can be found on the district website. 

Could you also give me information on bussing? 

All students are eligible for bussing.  Bussing must be the same stop each morning and same each afternoon.  Times will be determined and parents/guardians will be notified in August via Genesis.   

My son is currently under NJEIS.

Children currently in the New Jersey Early Intervention System would only be guaranteed a seat if they qualify for special education services under the classification of a Preschool Child with a Disability.

Will all students needing special education services be at Alpine, or spread across the classrooms? (Thinking related services such as ST/OT/PT) 

Special education placements are determined on an individual basis. All preschool classrooms will be equipped to support students' developmental needs.

How much can parents volunteer in the classroom? 

The district buildings’ PTO will have more information on becoming a room parent but teachers may ask for parent volunteers for activities in their classrooms. 

How will the preschoolers be incorporated into the overall school climate when they are spread across the district? 

All preschool students in each building are invited to participate in preschool activities together as well as building level activities. 

What is the security protocol at the school?

The security protocol requires parents/visitors to show identification before entering the school buildings. 

How do you communicate with parents/ caregivers?

The district utilizes Genesis/Thrillshare for communication.  Each teacher will develop a communication system with their classes including newsletters, emails, and/or class dojo.

Report cards will be shared through the Creative Curriculum platform.