State-Funded / Head Start Preschool Program
State-Funded / Head Start Preschool Program
Welcome to the Clifton Public Schools State-Funded / Head Start Preschool Program! We are honored that you are considering our program as the beginning of your child's educational journey.
Our preschool classrooms provide safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments where children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically through meaningful, play-based experiences. Our dedicated teachers and staff partner with families to help every child develop the confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond.
At Clifton Public Schools, we believe every child deserves an exceptional early learning experience.
Our Preschool Expectations
- We are Safe.
- We are Kind.
- We are Learners.
We look forward to welcoming your family to our preschool community!
At Clifton Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education that meets the diverse needs of Clifton's youngest learners.
State-Funded Preschool Program
The Clifton Public Schools State-Funded Preschool Program provides high-quality, full-day preschool for three- and four-year-old children.
Our program uses a mixed-delivery model, meaning preschool services are offered through:
- Clifton Public Schools classrooms
- Head Start partner programs
- Private provider/licensed child care partner programs
This collaborative model allows us to expand access while ensuring every classroom follows the same high standards for curriculum, instruction, and child development.
Our Head Start Partnership
Head Start programs receive federal funding to provide comprehensive services that support both children and families.
Depending on eligibility, families may have access to services including:
- Health and dental screenings
- Mental health supports
- Family engagement services
- Parent education
- Employment training and workforce opportunities
- Community resources
Head Start programs are required to serve income-eligible families while maintaining high-quality educational programming.
If you have any questions regarding the Preschool Program, please contact Ms. Papamarkos at the Preschool Department at 973-470-2060 or mpapamarkos@cliftonschools.net
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Children who are three or four years old on or before October 1 of the current school year are eligible to register. Enrollment is first come, first served and is based on the completion date and time of the entire registration process. Because space is limited, we encourage families to register as early as possible.
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We are excited to welcome new families each year to the Clifton Public Schools Preschool Program.
For registration requirements, required documents, and step-by-step instructions, please visit the district's Registration Services webpage.If you have any questions concerning registration, please contact Ms. Ashley Gaccione in the Registration Department at 973-458-6709 or asgaccione@cliftonschools.net
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Once your registration has been completed, your information will be reviewed by the Preschool Registration and Nursing Departments.
Families will receive communication regarding any additional documentation or health requirements that may be needed before enrollment is finalized.
School placement notifications for the upcoming school year begin in late May or early June and continue throughout the summer as registrations are processed. Your placement notification will be sent by email.School Assisgnment & Placement
School assignments are determined using several factors, including:
- Program availability
- Enrollment capacity
- Proximity to your home
- Specialized program needs (when applicable)
While we make every effort to place children as close to home as possible, assignments are made in accordance with district policies to ensure balanced enrollment across all preschool locations.
Preschool placements are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date and time a completed registration is received.Requesting a Placement Review
If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's assigned preschool location, you may submit a written request for reconsideration.
Please note:- Placement changes are granted only in limited circumstances.
- Submitting a request does not guarantee a change in placement.
- All requests are carefully reviewed based on district guidelines and available space.
Requests should be emailed to Ms. Ashley Gaccione at asgaccione@cliftonschools.net in the Registration Department and should include:
- Child's full name
- Assigned preschool location
- A detailed explanation of your request
Waitlist Information
If all available preschool seats have been filled, your child will be placed on a waiting list.
Families will be notified if a space becomes available.After You Receive Youre School Placement
In early August, you will receive a Parent Portal letter with instructions for creating and accessing your Parent Portal account.
The Parent Portal allows families to:- Complete required annual forms
- Update emergency contacts
- Access important district information
- View your child's classroom assignment
Please complete all required forms promptly to ensure access to additional information.
In late August, families will be able to view their child’s classroom teacher and homeroom assignment in the Parent Portal after all required Parent Portal forms have been completed. -
