Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, all in-district Mini-Mounties preschool classrooms will be unified under one location:
Montclair Early Learning Academy
This
transition reflects the district’s investment in creating a
centralized, high-quality early childhood learning environment for all
preschool students. The Montclair Early Learning Academy will bring
together our existing in-district programs, previously housed at
Developmental Learning Center (DLC), Charles H. Bullock School, Hillside
School, and Nishuane Elementary School, into one dedicated early
childhood campus.
The
Academy will be overseen by Carla Pérez, Director of Early Childhood
Education & Grants, and supported by a dedicated administrative team
focused exclusively on preschool education.
Across the Academy, Mini-Mounties classrooms will:
-
Utilize the Tools of the Mind curriculum
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Meet ECERS-3 standards for high-quality preschool
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Participate in Grow NJ Kids, New Jersey’s quality improvement system
All
classrooms are supported by a comprehensive early childhood team,
including a preschool instructional coach, preschool intervention and
referral specialist, community and parent involvement specialist, social
worker, and special education consultation teacher. Together, this team
partners with teachers and families to ensure every child receives the
support they need to thrive.
Our Community Provider Locations
Just
like Montclair Public Schools’ K–12 programs, Mini-Mounties offers
families choice by partnering with a variety of trusted community-based
preschool providers. Each provider offers a safe, nurturing, and
welcoming environment, giving families options while maintaining a
shared commitment to high-quality early learning.
While
provider sites may use different curricula, all Mini-Mounties partner
sites participate in Grow NJ Kids and meet ECERS-3 standards for quality
preschool classrooms. Ms. Perez, the district’s Director of Early
Childhood Education & Grants, meets regularly with site directors,
and the district provides ongoing professional development and support
from our early childhood team. This ensures that children across all
Mini-Mounties locations experience the same high standards of care,
instruction, and support, no matter which site they attend.
Hours: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Hours: 8:15 am - 3 pm Hours: 8:30 am - 2 pm
Main Office: 973-655-7177 Main Office: 973-783-0220 Main Office: 973-509-4500
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Hours: 8:30 - 2:30 pm
Main Office: 973-744-4228 Main Office: 973-783-7640
[email protected] [email protected]