The Arc of Union County’s Smart Start Preschool Enrichment Program provides a nurturing, inclusive environment for all children to learn and grow. The preschool program fosters social, emotional and language development while inspiring creativity and independence.
Smart Start Preschool began as a two-day social interaction program in 2016, and has since grown into a full-day preschool offering half- and full-day as well as 3-5 day options.
“We’re so proud of the children who come into our program as their first experience in a preschool, and leave confident and ready to conquer their next adventure,” says Senior Director of Children’s Services Eileen Mastricova.
Parents appreciate the small class setting (4:1 ratio) to give each child the opportunity for additional support, and that their educators focus on social and emotional development in addition to academics. Smart Start offers music, art and science as well as social skills programs and outdoor play twice daily.
Smart Start will begin introducing basic Spanish as well as its Little Tykes Saturday program in the fall, a social interaction peer drop-off program for ages 2.5 to five years. The school offers before- and after- care in addition to their Little Tykes Summer Camp for the months of July and August, and is looking forward to coordinating with community programs such as gymnastics and Tae Kwon Do.
“We pride ourselves on flexibility and working with our families for increased accessibility,” Mastricova says. “Our staff is compassionate and dedicated, and has worked in early invention and preschools for their entire careers. We invest in their training, skill development and preparation for their roles as teachers.”
1137 Globe Ave., Mountainside
908-276-6660
arcunion.org