South Amboy Preschool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the South Amboy Public Schools Preschool Program?
-
The South Amboy Public Schools Preschool Program, primarily funded by the PEEA, is a high-quality preschool education program for three and four year old students who are residents in the City of South Amboy.
I’d like my child to attend the Preschool Program. What do I need to do?
-
Preschool registration for the 2026-2027 school year will begin on January 26, 2026 and continue through March 27, 2026.
-
To be eligible to attend the program at SAES or our partner locations, students must turn 3 on or before October 1, 2026 (Policy #5112).
What if my child was already enrolled?
-
Returning students will need to provide updated residency and immunization records for the new school year.
-
Students who turn four during the 2025-2026 school year will not need to re-register again for the 2026-2027 school year.
What is the required documentation for registration:
Where are the preschool classrooms located?
How is it determined where my child goes?
-
Placement into the preschool program is based on program and availability.
-
Both SAES and Acelero locations offer the same services and follow the same curriculum.
-
In the unlikely case that registered students cannot be placed into the program are put on a waiting list. Should a seat become available, the family will be notified.
Is there before and after care?
When does the school year start?
Where can I find the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar?
What are the school day hours?
-
The school day is six hours long.
-
Doors open at 8:30 AM and close at 8:40.
-
Preschool dismissal is at 2:30.
How many classrooms are at each school?
-
There are three classrooms at South Amboy Elementary School (249 John Street)
-
There are three classrooms at Acelero Learning of Monmouth and Middlesex County (310 Augusta Street)
-
There is one classroom at The Children's Learning Center of South Amboy (148 North Broadway).
How many children are in a class?
Does my child have to attend school every day?
-
We encourage all of our students to attend school everyday. However, we understand that there are times when they will not be able to attend.
-
For more information about our Attendance Policy, please see Attendance.
How does lunch and snack work?
-
Every class has its breakfast and lunch in its own classroom. Students eat family style as an extension of the Tools of the Mind curriculum.
-
Lunch can be provided at school or brought in from home.
-
If there are students with food-related allergies, the teacher will let families know before the start of the school what is not allowed to be brought into the classroom.
-
If you think your family qualifies for a free or reduced lunch, or as your family's financial circumstances change, this form can be completed at any point during the school year.
My child has food allergies. What is your policy for food allergies?
I believe that my child needs more support in the classroom, what do I do?
-
First contact your child’s teacher and discuss your concerns.
-
If needed, the Preschool Intervention and Referral Team (PIRT) will become involved to work on strategies to help your child.
-
If there are more supports or modifications needed, a referral to the preschool Child Study Team (CST) would be initiated by the PIRT.
How do parents and families get involved with volunteering?
-
South Amboy Public Schools has a strong partnership with the South Amboy Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
-
For more information please visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/southamboypto/
Where can I find out more about the Preschool Program and School?
-
Parent Handbooks will be made on the South Amboy Elementary School website before the start of the new school year.
-
Classroom teachers will also provide information during the 1st day of school and throughout the school year.
-
In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact: the building principal Sean Dunphy at sdunphy@sapublicschools.com.
What will my child learn?
-
Our preschool classrooms all use the Tools of the Mind curriculum.
-
Children learn through play and to that aim your child will be provided a variety of developmentally appropriate learning opportunities.
-
A variety of materials, toys, books, and equipment will be present.
-
The environment will be “print rich” full of labels, books and pictures.
-
There will be a variety and number of objects and items to manipulate and use to develop math concepts.
-
Children will initiate, plan, do and recall activities while learning problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision – making.
Should I expect a progress report?
-
Parents will be provided two reports during the school year which can be previewed here. The first report will be shared in late January/early February and again in June.
-
Parents will also receive reports from the classroom teacher periodically to show improvement with specific areas being worked on in the classroom.
Does the school have field trips and other programs?
What happens if we move during the school year?
Does the school conduct screenings during the school year?
-
We will provide or assure access to comprehensive health services, which include a broad range of medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services to preschool children to assist in the child’s development.
Does the school provide any workshops for parents?
-
Throughout the course of the school year workshops will be offered through the Office of Early Childhood Education focusing on coping skills, establishing routines, and other topics related to Early Childhood Education.
-
Workshops are also offered through South Amboy Elementary School and through the district’s Parent Pro Academy.
What happens if my child becomes sick or injured while in school?
Does my child need to be potty-trained to enter Pre-K?
