Overview
The Orange Board of Education provides a full-day preschool education for all three and four-year-old residents of Orange. Currently, twenty-three in-district preschool classrooms are offered. In addition, the district collaborates with five licensed community childcare programs and Head Start. There is no fee for the school day (8:30 am-3:00 pm). Before and after school care is available. The fee for this additional program is based upon income eligibility.
Vision
Our vision is to develop bright, confident, compassionate, happy, and socially and emotionally well-adjusted young scholars. Scholars who are filled with the joy of learning and empowered to use their creativity, exploration, and forward-thinking skills to transform the world to make it a better place for everyone. We expect our young scholars to soar to their greatest potential and become bright shining lights in society with the ability to successfully compete in the 21st century global economy.
Mission
Our mission is to build the capacity of young learners by utilizing a strength-based approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes: (1) equitable and meaningful learning experiences, (2) positive teacher-scholar relationships, (3) culturally responsive teaching, (4) developmentally appropriate practices, and (5) play in safe and nurturing learning environments. Our mission is to support teachers in cultivating a culture that builds essential early academic foundational skills, social and emotional skills, and physical skills that will inspire young learners and prepare them to become dynamic leaders of tomorrow.
Core Values
- Focused, Intentional, and Targeted (F.I.T.)
- Developmentally Appropriate
- Authentic Play
- Continuum of Learning
- Relationship Building
Mantra
Hustle, Execute, and Grind in Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences for All Children.
Purpose and Mission Statement Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC)
Purpose: The ECAC is an advisory group of community stakeholders interested in the education and welfare of children in preschool through grade three that is convened by the school district (N.J.A.C. 6A:13A-1.2). The purpose is to review the accomplishments of high-quality programs, to serve as advisory support for the preschool program, and to support the transition as children move from preschool through the early grades.
Mission: The ECAC is committed to fostering collaboration among families, educators, community partners, and stakeholders to strengthen the preschool program. Our mission is to ensure every child and family thrive by promoting high quality learning experiences, supporting holistic development, and creating an inclusive environment where all voices are valued. Together, we work to build a stronger foundation for lifelong success.
If you are interested in joining the ECAC, please reach out to our Community and Parent Involvement Specialist.
- Lindsey Nunez
📞 973-677-4000 x52023
Attendance Matters!
Preschool Works Best When Children Are Here – Everyday Matters & Every Minute Counts
Every school day offers meaningful moments that help young children grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Preschool lays the groundwork for future success, but children can only experience its benefits when they attend regularly and arrive on time.
While missing 18 days of school may not sound like much, it adds up to 108 missed instructional hours — hours of learning, exploration, play, and connections that cannot be replaced or recreated. When children are absent or late, they miss critical opportunities to build early skills that support success in kindergarten and beyond. Missing school often impacts not only academic skills but confidence, social and emotional skills, and friendships.
When children come to school every day, they are able to fully experience all that our district provides and build the strong foundations they need as they move forward in their educational journey.
If you are experiencing challenges bringing your child to school or arriving on time, please contact one of our social workers who may be able to help you work through the challenges and create a plan for better attendance.
- Lindsey Nunez
📞 973-677-4000 x52023
- Tennia Tuck
📞 973-677-4000 x52714
Current Preschool Locations
- Neema Preschool of Orange
- Lincoln Avenue School
- Heywood Avenue Elementary School
- Oakwood Avenue Community School
- Orange Early Childhood Center (OECC)
- Scholars Academy
- John Robert Lewis Early Childhood Center
- Norjenes Day Care Center
- Montclair Child Development Center/Head Start
- Valley Settlement House
Preschool Registration Requirements
- Three years of age by October 1st
- Four years of age by October 1st
- Must be a resident of Orange Township
- Original birth certificate
- Child’s immunization record
- Current lease or mortgage statement
- Two CURRENT proofs of residency (PSE&G bill, telephone or cable bill - no cell phone bill, please)
- If you are living with a friend or relative in a private home, the homeowner must provide proof of residency. Additionally, the landlord or managing agency must complete the Landlord Affidavit (provided by the Board of Education).
- Picture ID
Please contact the Office of Early Childhood for more information about the preschool program or the registration schedule. We look forward to meeting you and your child!
Click on the below link to be taken to our Registration page and or reach out to a member of our team.
📧Email: NunezLin@orange.k12.nj.us or TuckTenn@orange.k12.nj.us
📞Phone: 973—677-4000, Extentions 52023 or 52714
