Elder adults reached across generations recently to take a stand for early childhood education and highlight the importance of preschool programs that they say benefit children as well as people of all ages.
Top: Lillian Sustick works a puppet as she reads from a script during an intergenerational program sponsored by Generations United at the Red Bank Primary School on April 30. Children at the school wave goodbye to a puppet as they leave the gymnasium after the show. PHOTOS BY JEFF GRANIT staff “A lot of politicians give lip service to building a future for our children, but now is the time to act for early education. Increasing access to quality preschool builds a foundation for lifetime success, improving our communities for people of all ages,” said Roberta Eisner, Matawan, a member of New Jersey Seniors4Kids.
Surrounded by preschool students, members of New Jersey Seniors4Kids, a program of Generations United, along with Red Bank Borough Schools Superintendent Laura C. Morana and other education, law enforcement, government and aging services leaders, urged state lawmakers to increase the availability of voluntary, quality preschool education for New Jersey’s children.
The Red Bank Primary School Pre-K Orchestra performs April 30 during an intergenerational program sponsored by New Jersey Seniors4Kids to underscore the importance of continued funding in the state budget for early childhood education. JEFF GRANIT staff The Red Bank Primary School hosted the April 30 news conference, at which Seniors4Kids urged New Jersey lawmakers to maintain existing funding for preschool programs in the proposed budget for 2011 and to secure additional funding to expand preschool as envisioned in the School Funding Reform Act.
Educators and advocates added their support for quality early childhood education.
“As someone who has devoted my career to helping children achieve their potential, I have seen firsthand that quality preschool prepares students for success,” said Morana. “It’s gratifying to have support from both older adults and law enforcement leaders in this effort to expand the valuable effects to all New Jersey’s children.”
Morana explained that funding for the program began years ago for her district and three others in the state. Red Bank‘s program has grown from 75 students in its first year to 105 students in its second year and 165 in its third, and will reach 226 3- and 4-year-olds next school year.
“We can now service 95 percent of the borough’s 3- and 4-year-olds,” said Morana. “Education plays a critical role here. It’s so important.”
Morana told the audience that without funding and community support, the success of the early leaning program would not be the success that it is.
“We’re very proud of our programs,” said Morana. “We have the vision and talent here, but without the fiscal means and all the support, we would not be able to provide those services.”
Without the partnership that allows for the use of the Community YMCA, Tower Hill School, Monmouth Day Care, and St. Anthony’s facilities, Morana said none of the success would be possible.
“Overall, there is such student engagement. They’re learning and growing every day. They love school,” Morana said.
As the borough students advance to enter Red Bank Regional High School, Morana said she believes they will be able to succeed.
“At RBR, two very affluent districts feed into the one district, and I know our kids will rise to the great opportunity,” Morana said.
Capt. Thomas Fatigante, president of New Jersey State Triad, a program that links law enforcement with aging services and the community, said he looks forward to continued partnering with Generations United.
“Seniors are one of this country’s most valuable untapped natural resources,” said Fatigante. “They have time, talent and a lifetime of experience to bring to any undertaking, and we will do everything we can to lend our support.”
According to Cynthia Rice, senior policy analyst for the Association for Children of New Jersey, quality early childhood education is the best way of closing the achievement and opportunity gaps for children.
“Investing in quality early childhood education also benefits the entire community,” said Rice at the event. “Research shows that quality preschool cuts drop-out rates, creates a more qualified work force and decreases crime rates.”
Sen. Jennifer Beck, (R-12th District) stated that Red Bank Borough School fourth-graders outperform state averages in math and show much success in English.
“That’s a huge deal, given that so many of our students don’t speak English primarily,” said Beck. “When the children get to kindergarten, they’re primarily speaking English. They learn so much in preschool.”
Beck explained that she and Morana had contacted State Education Commissioner Brett Schundler regarding the hardships the two-school district faces.
“We have more disadvantaged students than 23 of the 31 Abbott districts. We face significant challenges here,” said Beck.
Although the district received less state aid overall this year, it received more funding for its nationally recognized preschool program.
The conference was full of intergenerational connections. Budding musicians from the Primary School orchestra, led by music teacher Kim Styles, greeted Seniors4Kids members with a medley of songs played on their violins.
Morana said a local generous donor providedmoney for the acquisition of 95 violins.
A team of older adult puppeteers, including retired teachers, entertained young and old alike with a puppet show.
“I saw the children smiling ear to ear, and everyone else in the room as well,” said Fatigante. “I have never seen so many smiles in one room.”
To ensure that the intergenerational connections continue, Seniors4Kids State Coordinator John Wanat donated 10 books featuring older adult characters or depicting aging in a positive light to the school.
“Older adults care about educating the youngest generation,” said Wanat, former executive director of Monmouth County’s Office on Aging. “In tough economic times, the investments we make in early childhood education have short- and long-term rewards for New Jerseyans of all ages.”
Seniors4Kids is an initiative of Generations United, the national nonprofit that works to improve the lives of children, youths and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies and programs for the benefit of all. In New Jersey, the organization works in partnership with the Association for Children of New Jersey to create a statewide network of community leaders and grassroots volunteers who work to increase the availability and quality of preschool education.
According to Generations United, New Jersey is nationally recognized for providing high-quality preschool using a diverse delivery model that includes public schools, community-based child care centers and Head Start programs.
Currently, the state pays for universal preschool in 31 Abbott districts and provides targeted funds to low-income children in another 116 districts.
Under the School Funding Reform Act approved in 2008, the state Legislature approved plans to increase preschool services to 84 expansion districts and all at-risk children by 2013.
According to a fact sheet from Generations United, nearly 40 percent of New Jersey’s 3- and 4- year-olds do not attend either private or publicly funded preschool programs, and last year the state Legislature provided no funding for expansion.
“Unless state legislators keep the momentum moving forward, New Jersey will lose the gains for children that school districts and children’s advocates have worked so hard to achieve,” the fact sheet states.