The State of N.J. Preschools

TRENTON, N.J August 2, 2001 — Although most state-funded preschools are good, nearly 20 percent of the classrooms were considered inadequate and perhaps dangerous, according to a new report.

The report examined preschools for 3- and 4-year-olds in the state`s 30 poorest districts as part of a five-year, $5 million evaluation of the court-ordered program created in 1998. The state-commissioned report, released Wednesday, was submitted to the state Supreme Court this week.

Studying 246 classrooms in 130 different programs statewide, researchers with Maryland-based Westat found 55 percent of the classrooms were in the good-quality range. Nearly 27 percent were considered excellent.

But researchers also found 19 percent of classrooms were of "minimal" and "inadequate" quality. The report cited problems such as dangerous playground equipment, lack of music instruction and a poor selection of books.

Researchers say these classrooms can be dangerous to a child`s health and safety, or do little more than meet basic needs.

Edward Tetelman, a state assistant human services commissioner, said the report was accurate, recognizing what the state is doing "right and what we`re doing wrong so we can make improvements."

The new report is less critical than a study released by Rutgers University researchers in May. That report found the number of students enrolled in preschool has not increased much and that the quality of preschool has not improved either.

Tom Zsiga, assistant director of North Jersey Community Coordinated Child Care Agency in Paterson, said the Westat study gives a broader picture while the Rutgers study focused more on the preschool programs` weaknesses.

"This study showed that the centers who have the resources and experienced staff came in favorably," said Zsiga, also chairman of the New Jersey Child-care Advisory Council. "The centers that have not yet been able to recruit certified staff and struggle financially are the ones coming out with lower scores. But even though they have a long way to go, this shows that many of them have made great strides."

Districts are using existing community-based child-care centers and also creating new, district-run preschools to meet the court order.

The report rated preschool classrooms within districts significantly higher in areas such as classroom activities and proper materials compared to community-based programs.

But district preschools did not always have the highest level of quality. Community-based preschools also had a greater variation of quality than other centers.

Weaknesses cited in the report included outdoor play areas that were dangerous or lacked space; outdoor play equipment that was either scarce, in poor condition or not appropriate; and lack of materials for art, music, movement, block or sand and water play.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News