Children's Services
Helping Our Youngest Clients to Thrive
Our children's programs provide comprehensive support and enrichment for Bergen County's youngest residents. From early learning to after-school activities, we create nurturing environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Leonard Johnson Early Learning Center
Children ages 4 months to 4 years learn to build both socially and emotionally secure attachments, develop academic skills to promote school readiness, work on fine and gross motor development, receive nutritional meals and snacks, and participate in hygiene routines that adequately tend to their needs.
Last Year
Supported
Last Year
Enrolled
Developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive learning tools and equipment are all available. The Leonard Johnson Early Learning Center is accredited by Grow Kids NJ.
PreK 3 Expansion
With a state-funded partnership with the Englewood School District, up to forty-five students participate in PreK 3, concurrent with the district calendar and learning goals and objectives.
After School Program
Our program serves more than 200 children ages 3-13 years across multiple locations in our community. Each day, our dedicated educators and mentors provide a nurturing environment where young learners explore their interests, strengthen their academic foundations, and develop essential life skills.
Our after-school services are provided at multiple locations throughout the community, including Quarles, Grieco, and Armory Street, with McCloud students walking to Grieco for their after-school program. We offer comprehensive academic support, including valuable volunteer tutoring services.
Summer Program
Additionally, we conduct a Summer Program that accommodates 60 children between the ages of 3 to 5. Our after school program is led by three experienced supervisors: Tiffany Perez, Yolanda Salazar, and Cathy Robertson, who work together to ensure the highest quality of care and education for our students.
Pyramid Model
We're proud to partner with Montclair University to implement the Pyramid Model, an innovative framework that promotes children's social and emotional development. This research-based approach helps our educators:
- Create nurturing, responsive learning environments
- Build strong relationships with children and families
- Teach essential social-emotional skills
- Provide positive behavioral support
Through this model, we ensure every child develops the emotional and social foundations they need to succeed in school and life.
Grow Kids NJ
We proudly maintain a 3-STAR rating in the Grow Kids NJ Quality Rating System. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it represents excellence in early childhood education despite facility constraints. Under the leadership of our Director, a former Grow Kids NJ coach, we consistently deliver exceptional early learning services that meet and exceed state quality standards.
Contact Our Team
Children's Services
Maribel Tapia, MA Director of Early Learning
After-School Programs
Cathy Robertson, MA Site Director of Afterschool Program at Grieco
