The February additions of the classrooms will serve 3- and 4-year-olds. Funds for the spaces are the result of a state-aid increase.
The Cinnaminson Township public school district is adding two more preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-old children in February 2025.
This is “thanks to the continued support of the state preschool expansion aid,” noted school Superintendent Stephen M. Cappello in a letter to township families on Nov. 27.
It was last April when the district announced it was one of 16 state school districts to receive preschool expansion aid. The district received $290,280 in aid, allowing it to offer full-day preschool at no cost to families in the township.
The school district received the second round of preschool funding for fiscal year 2024, building on the state’s $25-million investment for universal pre-K across the state. The second round provides an additional 1,715 preschool seats in 26 school districts, according to state officials.
The tuition-free preschool program – which Cinnaminson schools began in May – is aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards that address all domains of learning. The program is designed to provide a whole-child approach that promotes a child’s long-term development and growth, Cappello said.
“The Cinnaminson board of education is steadfast in its commitment to preschool access,” the superintendent added. “The latest round of funding will help us get closer to our goal of reaching 430 students and reducing the wait list. This spring, we are hopeful to announce the opening of even more classes for the 2025-2026 school year.”
In order for the system to be equitable for all, the school district is using a new lottery process to which families on a prior wait list will need to reapply. To be eligible for the lottery, children must reside in Cinnaminson and be 3 or 4 years old as of Oct. 1. The lottery process will be held to randomly select preschool students.
When the number of students needed to fill the available preschool spots is reached, applications will continue to be drawn, with those applying families placed on a wait list. If a student drops out or declines a placement and a vacancy occurs, the next applicant on the wait list will be selected. The wait list will remain active and will be utilized throughout the year. Parents of selected students will be notified by either phone or email following the lottery.
February 2025 preschool timeline:
- Parents must complete online lottery forms at https://forms.gle/qdAixzpi6gBbDCPR9 by Dec. 11 for each child who meets the above requirements in a household.
- The drawing will be held on Dec. 18 and families will be notified by Dec. 20.
- For chosen students, a parent will need to register their child with the school district and provide all necessary paperwork by Jan. 17. Further directions will be provided.
- Classes are scheduled to begin on Feb. 3.
Questions regarding preschool can be directed to Sherry Spier, supervisor of early-childhood education. She can be reached at spiers@cinnaminson.com or (856) 829-7600, ext. 2850.
