Commitment to children's creativity since 2008
Early Arts
PRESCHOOL
Safe space. Steady teachers. Confident learners. A consistent, small‑group preschool experience where families feel supported and children thrive. Early Arts nurtures confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for school in a warm, home‑based setting.
Time/Attendance Options
Early Arts Preschool is open September through June, with a summer break in July and August. We operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with flexible arrival between 8:00–9:00 a.m. and flexible pick‑up between 3:00–4:00 p.m. Based on availability and your family’s needs, children may attend 1–4 days per week or enroll for the full 5‑day schedule.
Ratio/Group Size
Our child‑to‑adult ratio ranges from 5:1 to 5:2, with a regular group size of just five children at a time. Your child will be with the same two teachers all year, providing the consistency that helps strong, trusting relationships grow. Our dance teacher also supports the classroom as an assistant whenever needed, offering a familiar and trusted presence the children know and love.
Sharing Documentation
We use photo and video documentation to reflect on and revisit children’s experiences, feelings, ideas, and learning processes. These moments are shared with the children and with their families on a semi‑regular basis to help everyone stay connected to the learning journey. All social media sharing is strictly optional and will only occur with parental consent on file.
Involvement
We respect every child and the individual strengths, interests, and learning styles they bring. We also value parents as their child’s first and most important teacher, and we welcome and value family involvement. Let us know how you’d like to participate during our day, and we’ll coordinate together to make it meaningful and comfortable for everyone.
Environment
Goals/Philosophy
Our primary goal is to uphold the highest standards of early childhood care and education by offering meaningful learning experiences that help children build toward more complex understanding. We nurture children’s natural curiosity through an art‑centered, play‑based approach that inspires exploration, creativity, and joyful learning. This strong, hands‑on foundation supports confident, well‑rounded kindergarten readiness.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is closely aligned with the NJ Early Learning Standards. Through a hands‑on, creative, art‑based approach, children engage in experiences that spark curiosity and encourage them to pursue their own interests. As we investigate, collaborate, and learn together as a community, children develop early literacy, math, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills in a playful, creative, and often messy way - preparing them with confidence for kindergarten and beyond.
Daily Schedule
Our program maintains a relaxed, informal atmosphere while offering a consistent daily routine. Children move through activities, play, rest, and meals in a predictable order, giving them a strong sense of security. Transitions are smooth and never rushed. Each day, we prepare and serve nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack. A quiet rest period follows lunch to help children reset for the afternoon.
ART-BASED EDUCATION
CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASSES
Enriched dance lessons and creative movement classes may be scheduled through DDA Dance Academy in Paramus, NJ. These fun 45‑minute classes blend dance, coordination skills, and rhythm. Skills introduced in creative movement are reinforced, while new skills are added to keep children engaged, confident, and joyfully learning through movement.
Both of my children have been with Sonja for two years, and honestly, if it were up to me, I'd keep them learning with her through Kindergarten! They play, dance, read, build, paint, draw, create...LOVE school! The amount of learning and creating that goes on is amazing. Sonja is caring, guiding, and direct in her approach with the kids. They experience structure without stricture.
Thank you Sonja!
Marlene
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
2 DAYS PER WEEK
TUESDAY / THURSDAY
MONDAY / THURSDAY
TUESDAY / FRIDAY
8 AM - 4 PM
3 DAYS PER WEEK
MONDAY / WEDNESDAY / FRIDAY
MONDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY
TUESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY
TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY
8 AM - 4 PM
5 DAYS PER WEEK
MONDAY - FRIDAY
8 AM - 4 PM
TUITION
Tuition averages about $7.50-8.00 per hour and varies by age, schedule, and payment method. Certain payment methods also include tuition incentives. Payments may be made weekly, bi‑weekly, or monthly by cash, check, mobile payment, or CCAP subsidy. Tuition is charged during our 42‑week school year (July and August excluded), and a year‑end tax statement is provided.
Three freshly prepared, nutritious daily meals are included in tuition when the USDA food program form is signed.
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment is ongoing during the school year as space becomes available. To inquire about current or future openings, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Your child’s enrollment begins once the Registration Packet is completed and submitted. Placement is confirmed with payment of the Advance Notice Fee (last two weeks of care) and the $50 Yearly Enrollment Fee.
Our Contract, which outlines all Policies, will be provided during your initial interview.
Click on the links to download and print REGISTRATION PACKET forms:
EARLY ARTS PRESCHOOL
ENROLLMENT FORMS
Basic parent and child information, Emergency contacts, Social media policy with picture release form, State forms.
Child's health form completed and signed by a physician, with the examination dated within 12 months prior the first day of school, and every 12 months from the date of the examination thereafter.
FOOD PROGRAM ENROLLMENT FORMS
Child Care Food Program ensures that all children receive nutritious, well-balanced meals while in school. Three meals are included in tuition price if child's Food Program Enrollment Form is signed.
Keep these documents for your own reference:
List of our daily activities with approximate times of the day.
EARLY ARTS
SAMPLE MENU
Our sample menu, approved by Child Care Food Program.
