Everyone benefits when families, schools, and the community are invested in the school district, including implementation of the preschool program. Schools enjoy the informed support of families and community members, and families experience many opportunities to contribute to their children’s education.
For the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC), there are both core members, and other possible representatives who can contribute to the goals of the Council based on the outcome of the Community Needs Assessment (CNA).
Core members of the ECAC:
⭐ Directors and/ or owners of private Preschool Centers
⭐ Director of Head Start
⭐ School district personnel
⭐ Parents
⭐ Community stakeholders
⭐ District community parent involvement specialist (CPIS)
Other Possible Representatives, if Needed:
Local health/social service agencies
Early intervention services
Business community
Municipal government
Higher education
NJ Council for Young Children County Councils
Philanthropic community
Child/family advocates
DHS managing agency (Family Outreach Program)
Medical and dental services
Houses of worship
Kindergarten/1st grade teacher(s)
Other community-based group members added as needed
⭐ Have an understanding of how the WBPS preschool program is implemented as a "high-quality program" according to N.J.A.C. 6A, chapter 13A: Elements of a High-Quality Preschool Program
⭐ Serve as advisory support for the local school district’s preschool program
⭐ Support transition as children move from preschool through grade three.
The Community Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS) periodically conducts a formal Community Needs Assessment (CNA). The CNA can serve as a springboard for which the ECAC can plan their participatory work, focusing on prioritizing identified needs and available resources. The ECAC's actions do not solely have to focus on the findings in the CNA, but will drive the direction of the council's discussions and actions.
Participate in obtaining specific community needs and resources, including facilities, as they pertain to the implementation of high-quality preschool services.
Serve as the conduit between community needs and resources
Ensure no duplication between other community/education councils, but rather alignment and coordination
Participate in the development of the District Operational Plan as organized by the district preschool leadership.
Review and comment on the draft of the Three Year and Annual Operational Plan update.
Review and comment on preschool budgets proposed by the district and the district self-assessment.