Montclair Public Schools is expanding its Pre-K program, the Mini-Mounties, for the 2025-2026 school year. Funded by the NJ Preschool Expansion Grant, this initiative provides high-quality, free early education to eligible families. The program is designed to give Montclair children the best start in their educational journey, offering classrooms at both in-district locations and through strong community partnerships.
For 2025-2026, Montclair Public Schools is partnering with five community providers—Montclair Child Development Center, Montclair Community Pre-K, Montclair State University, Neighborhood Child and Infant Care Center (NCIC) and YMCA—along with four district locations, including Development Learning Center, Nishuane, Charles H. Bullock School and Hillside Elementary School. This expansion brings the total number of classrooms to 29.
“The Mini-Mounties program is a game-changer for our community, offering families greater access to quality early childhood education,” said Damen G. Cooper, Interim Superintendent of Montclair Public Schools. “By expanding our partnerships and locations, we’re ensuring that every child in Montclair has the opportunity to begin their learning journey in a nurturing, supportive environment.”
The Mini-Mounties Pre-K program is guided by a state-approved curriculum that emphasizes learning through play, cultivating a love for learning from the very start. It goes beyond traditional early education, focusing on social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Pre-K Information Sessions and Tours
Montclair Public Schools will host a district-wide information session for families interested in the Mini-Mounties program. Representatives from every provider location will be present at this session:
Date: January 8, 2025
Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: Wally Choice Community Center, 45 Maple Ave
In addition to the information session, each provider offers individual tours. To attend a tour, families can contact the provider directly via email to schedule a visit. The following tours are available for the 2025-2026 school year:
MCPK: Tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays (Email: info@montclairprek.org)
MCDC: To schedule, email: info@mcdcnj.org
NCICC: To schedule, email: neighborhoodchildcare@verizon.net
YMCA: Open House on January 4, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM
DLC: To schedule, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us
Nishuane: Tour on January 2, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 PM, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us
CHB: Tour on January 3, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 PM, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us
Hillside: Tour on January 7, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 PM, email: jfinnerty@montclair.k12.nj.us
2025-2026 Application Process
Applications for new families will open on January 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM. To be eligible, children must be three or four years old by October 1, 2025, and reside in Montclair. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. If there are more applicants than available spots, children will be placed on a waiting list based on the order of application.
“The Mini-Mounties program is growing, and we are thrilled to offer even more opportunities for Montclair families to enroll their children in a high-quality preschool setting,” said Jennifer Finnerty, District Supervisor of Pupil Services. “Our commitment is to make sure every child has access to the best early childhood education, setting them up for success in school and beyond.”
Families who submit applications by January 20, 2025, at 9:00 AM will receive notifications about their placement status by January 24, 2025. Those on the waitlist will be notified as spots become available.
Important Dates:
Application Opens: January 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025, at 9:00 AM
Placement Notification: January 24, 2025
Pre-K Registration Begins: January 27, 2025
For Families
Current Provider Families: Families whose children are already attending a provider location (YMCA, MCPK, NCICC, MSU, MCDC) will be contacted directly for transition details.
Waitlisted Families: All families on the 2024-2025 waitlist who meet eligibility requirements will be offered a spot for the 2025-2026 school year.
New Families: Applications will open through the Mini-Mounties website on January 9, 2025.
