Registration for the The Baird’s preschool program, which is a state licensed program available to South Orange residents with children who are 2½ years of age to 5 years old, begins in mid-January (see schedule below).

The enthusiastic staff has developed a program that combines educational and recreational activities to provide your child with a balanced preschool experience. While allowing for and encouraging positive social interaction, the children learn the basics of counting, alphabets, colors and shapes. A variety of motor coordination, music, dance and art activities are combined to develop both fine and gross motor skills, as well as rhythm and creativity. Introduction to computer skills are accomplished through the use of age appropriate games on each of the preschool computers. Although each day is planned, the children are allowed some time of their own to explore their favorite activities.

The entire staff works together to provide your child with a well-rounded educational and recreational preschool experience.

WHERE IS THE PROGRAM HELD?

The Baird Preschool is held on the second floor of The Baird, 5 Mead Street, in an area dedicated and outfitted for the needs of preschoolers.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE BAIRD PRESCHOOL?

This program is open to all South Orange residents who are between the ages of 2 ½ and 5 years of age and are toilet trained.

For the Fall 2008 session, children must be:

2 on or before April 1, 2008 for the 2 1/2 years old program

3 on or before October 1, 2008 for the 3 years old program

4 on or before October 1, 2008 for the 4/5 years old program

BIRTH CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED UPON REGISTRATION.

WHAT IS THE CLASS SIZE?

The following are maximum number of students per age group:

• 2½ years - 10

• 3 years - 12

• 4/5 years - 15

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE?

2½ years old (twice weekly) - Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

3 years old (3 times weekly) - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

4 & 5 years old (5 times weekly) - Monday through Friday, 12:15-3:15 p.m.

The Fall 2007 session begins the Week of September 8, 2008 and concludes the week of June 1, 2009.

HOW CAN I REGISTER?

Those currently enrolled in The Baird Preschool for 2007-2008* register from January 14-18, 2008. New students for the 2008-2009 session**, are eligible to enroll from January 22-24, 2007.

*Current students who do not register by the end of business on January 18, 2008, must register as a new student.

** Due to the anticipated limited number of spaces available, a random drawing will be held on Friday January 25, 2008 at noon to determine in which order those applications received during the period of January 22-25 are entered into the appropriate program or placed on a waiting list.

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