Early Childhood Expansion

The fastest-growing student population in the West Deptford school district is preschool-age students. In addition, preschool classes are limited by state law to 15 students each. Those two factors make preschool a primary driver of space demands.

All available classrooms are in use

Creating an Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) more preschool classrooms would open up space in our elementary schools. Last year, the state awarded WD about $2.6 million to provide students with tuition-free preschool. The state pays for operating costs, but not the new space needed to accommodate the preschool classrooms.

To continue receiving state preschool funding, WD must provide a “high-quality preschool program” -- defined as a full-day program for which each class has a certified teacher, an aide, and no more than 15 students. This funding is at risk if WD cannot expand its preschool program to meet the growing need and satisfy the grant requirements.

MAKING ROOM FOR OTHER GRADES

Our current full day preschool program for 4-year-olds will remain in the three elementary schools. Moving the program for 3-year-olds to a new site would free up space within the elementary buildings. It would also open more spots for families with 3-year-olds.

Only by serving more students can WD keep the state funding that covers day-to-day operating costs for its preschool program.

Making more space at elementary schools would help keep class sizes lower there – creating a more effective teaching and learning environment.

Old school could be renovated and expanded

The district proposes building a preschool at Red Bank and Hessian Avenues in West Deptford, where the original Red Bank school is located. It had been used by Scouts, but that organization has other space to utilize. West Deptford Township transferred ownership back to the school district and would not need to purchase land for the new preschool.

See how the district would transform the old Red Bank School into a state-of-the art preschool facility in this video.

Instead of demolishing the old stone building, the district would incorporate the building into a new preschool, renovating and modernizing the building and expanding it by 20,000 square feet.

The original building would include two rooms for small group instruction, the principal’s office, main office, nurse’s office, and a faculty support area.

The two-story addition would include: 10 classrooms, which would accommodate 150 students, two breakout/collaboration areas, and a large multi-purpose room.

The project also would enhance accessibility with a parking area and new preschool playground for children of all abilities.