JANE CAROTENUTO
Dalrymple House Learning Center, Randolph NJ , on the campus of County College of Morris.
Every Preschool Director brings something “special” into the lives of preschool children. For Jane Carotenuto it is summed up by her saying “ I bring MOM into the kids lives every day.” Jane goes on to say that she works from the heart and operates with the same principals, structure and love that she showed her own 4 children (now grown with kids of their own) when they were of preschool age and home with her, a non-working mom (by choice and good fortune) at the time.
The majority of children at Dalrymple House come from single mother homes who have a hard time making ends meet. These mothers are struggling to get educated at this juncture of their life and realize the importance of sending their kids to not just a daycare but a place of real learning; Preschool. I respect and applaud their efforts expresses Jane. “I don’t want my husband to hear this, but I often pay for things on my own so that the children will not go without”. Such is the case for footing the bill out of her own pocket for the visit from “Guitar Bob” so the kids could sing to a live musician or paying for a nutritious lunch when a child has none.
Jane takes true pride in the educational foundation she is providing at her school. For the past 10 years as director, Jane boasts that out of 15 students in her charge, 11 are entering kindergarten already reading. This is way above the norm. This impacts their lives forever and that brings great satisfaction.
As for the work of Preschool Advantage, Jane almost gets tears in her eyes when mentioned. Understanding the mission and benefit resonates close to home as Jane has spent most of her 40 years in teaching in underprivileged communities. The difference preschool makes is obvious and clear to her. Kids that would otherwise not have the opportunity are entering kindergarten confident and most of all prepared. Preschool Advantage, along with people who immerse themselves in the passion like Jane, are playing such a big part in a child’s life.” They are setting them up not to fail”!