El Primer Paso  

The mission of El Primer Paso is to be culturally and linguistically responsive to families with limited English speaking ability by providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate preschool programs, transitional educational experiences for adults, and services to support affordable childcare for the community.

Description:
El Primer Paso is a multi-service agency serving Morris County's Hispanic community. The heart of the program is a state-licensed, bilingual preschool that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a national benchmark for excellence achieved by less than 10% of preschools across the nation. In addition, families are served by three levels of adult English-as-a-Second-Language classes which meet three-days-a-week, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Referrals to a network of state-registered family childcare providers are also available. El Primer Paso provides training and technical assistance to these Spanish-speaking family childcare givers, each of whom cares for up to five children in their home. Providers participate in the Dept. of Agriculture Child Care Food Program to ensure that children in care receive healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks at no charge to parents.

History:
El Primer Paso was established in 1969 by a group of volunteers. The agency has grown through the years as it continues to address the changing needs of the Hispanic community. It began with a pre-kindergarten program to prepare the non-English speaking children of the area for kindergarten in the public school system. A program for three-year-olds was added in 1984. During the 1970s, parents of children in the school requested adult English classes, and the school began its adult ESL program. In 1988, the agency became a sponsor for a network of family childcare providers local to the area, who provide flexible, affordable, culturally and linguistically responsive care for the children of the community.

Contact person: Susan O'Donnell, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (973) 361-8033

Address:

29 Segur Street Dover, NJ 07801 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

Take Exit 35A off Route 80W in Morris County (Rockaway); Exitt 35 off Route 80E. Proceed straight on Mt. Hope Avenue toward Dover. Immediately after passing cemetary on right, make right onto Segur Street. El Primer Paso. . . (more)

Last updated on June 4, 2009