Paterson Family Center

In their 1998 Abbott decision, the Supreme Court of New Jersey, speaking of underserved students in poor districts, stated “[i]ntensive preschool and full-day kindergarten enrichment programs are necessary to reverse the educational disadvantages these children start out with.” In collaboration with the Paterson School district, NJCDC hosts the Paterson Family Center, an intensive Abbott preschool for three and four year-olds in the city of Paterson.

Understanding the importance of establishing a strong and enthusiastic foundation for learning, the Paterson Family Center provides 105 three and four year-old Paterson children with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and qualified staff committed to their growth and education. With a certified teacher, teacher’s assistant and computers in every classroom, each child is guaranteed the individual time and attention they deserve.

Providing more than just preschool, the Paterson Family Center offers support to the entire family through after-school programming that supports working parents, as well as clinical staff to connect families to needed resources. The Paterson Family Center is a living example of the Supreme Court’s hope that “well-planned, high quality” early childhood education “will have a significant and substantial positive impact on academic achievement in both early and later school years.”

To view photos of the students from the Paterson Family Center, please visit their photogallery.

The Paterson Family Center at Spruce Street provides a safe environment for high-quality early childhood education.