The first years of a child’s life are critical to laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning, and impact the ultimate direction of children’s lives. Quality preschool prepares children to succeed in elementary school and beyond, particularly in reading skills. Yet not all area children have equal access to quality early childhood education. In fact, some children have no access at all. Preschool Advantage raises funds from local residents, business and foundations to close that gap in access to quality early childhood education.

“When our organization was founded sixteen years ago, we had a very clear mission – to make the experience of preschool available to children in our community even when their families were unable to pay for it,” said Barbara Demarest, President of the Board of Trustees. “The name of the organization, Project Acorn, captured the concept ‘from tiny acorns grow mighty oaks.’ Our organization has also grown from a tiny seed and as we announce our name, Preschool Advantage, we also announce that we bring the total number of children that we have assisted to six hundred. “

The decision to change the organization’s name was made in consultation with Project Acorn founders, Jill and Stuart Lasser. “Growth and change are signs of strength,” said Stuart Lasser. “I think ‘Preschool Advantage’ is great because it puts the mission right out there in a very direct way.”

Children have already been placed for September 2011. However, Preschool Advantage will consider applications for its waiting list. Preschool Advantage is also accepting donations to assist children currently on its waiting list for the September 2011 school year. Families of children who will be 3 or 4 years old on October 1, 2012 may apply to Preschool Advantage for a September 2012 preschool seat. Applications will be available in December 2011 online or by calling the office at 973-532-2501.

The events are sponsored by the Morristown based non profit, Preschool Advantage whose mission is to provide children of local families in need with the foundation for a lifetime of successful learning by funding quality preschool education. The events are expected to raise funds for 20 three and four year old children to attend half day programs in high quality local preschools. Funded by private donations, Preschool Advantage provides low-income children in the community with effective early childhood education preparing them for educational success.

Sign up information for sponsorships and players is under Events and Information >>Upcoming Events or by calling 973-532-2501.

For more information contact:
Karen Titterton
Preschool Advantage, Inc.
Phone: (973) 532-2501
Fax: (973) 455-7815

director@preschooladvantage.org

Preschool Advantage points to consistent research that shows preschool is the most cost effective means for improving the education and life outcomes for lower income children. For many families over the Head Start income limit of $22,400 for a family of four, preschool education is unaffordable, yet few private sources of assistance exist.

Preschool Advantage is supported by individual donors as well as grants from foundations and businesses. Donors share the organization’s objective of strengthening the local community by giving children of lower income families a proven means to improve their educational success. Recent donors include: the Morristown and Whippany Rotaries, Guilford Foundation and the William E. Simon Foundation.

Preschool Advantage was founded in 1995 by Morristown residents, Stuart and Jill Lasser based on the benefits they saw when their son attended preschool. This year’s class marks 600 children funded by the program.

For more information contact:
Karen Titterton
Preschool Advantage, Inc.
Phone: (973) 532-2501
Fax: (973) 455-7815

director@preschooladvantage.org