NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools welcomes its youngest learners for the 2026–27 school year with a comprehensive Early Childhood program that gives Newark children a strong start long before they enter kindergarten.

Led by the Newark Public Schools Office of Early Childhood, the district’s nationally recognized approach supports children and families through its Conception to Cradle to Grade 3 strategy, free full-day Pre-K, the innovative Before Kindergarten Initiative and an extensive network of community-based Pre-K providers.

“Preparing children for success does not begin on their first day of school—it begins before they are born,” said Superintendent León. “Our Early Childhood program reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child and the whole family. By connecting prenatal and early-childhood services with high-quality Pre-K, meaningful enrichment and strong instruction, we are building a foundation that will benefit Newark’s children throughout their education and their lives.”

Newark Public Schools offers free Pre-K to Newark residents who are three or four years old. Programs are available in district schools, Head Start locations, and community-based preschool centers throughout the city. This includes wrap around services before the start of the school day and well into the early evening hours. 

Participating Pre-K programs offer a seven-hour school day, evidence-based curriculum, certified teachers, small class sizes, and instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, health, physical education and social emotional development. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are provided, and many locations also offer morning and afternoon care. 

“Our youngest children deserve joyful, nurturing and academically rich learning environments,” said Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We are grateful to our Early Childhood teachers, support staff, families and community partners for working together to ensure that Newark’s children begin school healthy, confident, curious and ready to learn.”

Support Beginning Before Birth

The district’s Conception to Cradle to Grade 3 strategy connects Newark families with academic, health, developmental and social-emotional supports during pregnancy and continuing through the primary grades.

Through the district’s Birth-to-Age-Three Registry and its network of community partners, Social Workers and Early Childhood specialists help families find prenatal care, nutrition and mental-health services, pediatric healthcare, developmental screenings, early intervention, infant and toddler care, parenting resources and assistance with necessities such as diapers, clothing, food, and employment.

The strategy is designed to eliminate the organizational barriers that families often encounter when navigating separate education, healthcare and social-service systems. It creates a more coordinated pathway from pregnancy and infancy to pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten to third grade.

In July, the Council of the Great City Schools recognized this work by presenting Newark Public Schools with its 2026 Advancing Excellence in Urban Education Award. The national award honored the planning, implementation and monitoring of Newark’s cross-functional Conception to Cradle initiative.

“We know that families are children’s first and most important teachers,” said Deputy Superintendent Yolonda Severe. “Our responsibility is to make sure families have access to the information, resources and educational opportunities they need at every stage. We are excited to welcome our children and families and continue building relationships that will support them from their earliest years through elementary school and beyond.”

Learning Beyond the Pre-K Classroom

The district’s Before Kindergarten Initiative, known as B4K, extends learning beyond the regular school day by introducing three- and four-year-olds to the arts, STEM, athletic and many other career-related experiences.

Since its launch, B4K has provided opportunities including ballet at Arts High School, Microchip Robotics at the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology, swimming at Science Park High School and Future Chefs at Newark Vocational High School.

The initiative connects pre-K students with Newark’s high schools and allows high school students to serve as mentors and role models. B4K activities reinforce literacy, writing, mathematics, science, physical development, creativity, problem-solving and fine-motor skills while helping children discover new interests and possibilities.

Community Early Childhood Providers are Critical Partners Who Make Pre-K Possible

Newark Public Schools also recognizes the community-based preschool providers that partner with the district to serve children and families in every part of the city.

These publicly funded, privately managed centers join district schools and Head Start locations in providing free, high-quality Pre-K. They expand access, offer families neighborhood-based options and provide services that reflect the needs of Newark’s diverse communities.

“Our community-based Pre-K providers are essential members of the Newark Public Schools family,” Superintendent León said. “Their teachers, administrators and support professionals share our high expectations and our commitment to educational equity. Together, we are making sure that Newark families can find high-quality early learning opportunities in our communities.”

“Our commitment to Newark’s children begins long before they enter kindergarten,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Through our Conception to Cradle strategy, outstanding Pre-K programs and innovative B4K experiences, we are giving our youngest learners the strong foundation they need to thrive. We thank our teachers, families, community-based providers and partners throughout Newark for helping us ensure that every child begins the school year healthy, supported and ready to learn.”

The district thanks its entire Early Childhood team, district principals and teachers, Head Start staff, community-based providers, healthcare and social-service partners, and the parents and caregivers who work every day to prepare Newark’s children for success. Families should apply now.

To learn more about Pre-K enrollment, visit www.newarkenrolls.org. Families seeking Early Childhood resources may visit the NPS Office of Early Childhood or call 973-733-6234.