Preschool expansion making early education more accessible
In September 2007, Easter Seals in partnership with the Monticello School District expanded its universal pre-kindergarten classrooms to both Chase and Duggan Elementary Schools. Not only do these exciting new classrooms open on the first day of school, but they provide full day educational services and busing. Four year-olds can now ride to school with their older siblings and have all the benefits of a preschool education. Busing is also available to Project Excel’s main campus on St. John Street.

For more information or an application, stop by Project Excel at the St. John Street Education Center in Monticello, or call them at 845-794-4020.

Photo: The Project Excel preschool classroom opened at Duggan in September 2007 with a full class of kids ready to learn!

Monticello preschool giving local kids a head start
Project Excel preschool is a collaboration between Monticello Central School District and Easter Seals.

The program provides educational services for universal pre-kindergarten students of Monticello and classified preschool children from throughout Sullivan County. Some of the educational services offered include day care classrooms, private tuition pre-school, universal pre-k (integrated and non-integrated) and classes for children with disabilities (integrated and non-integrated).

Creative curriculum
Project Excel classrooms are bright, colorful, full of language development and language stimulation, nurturing and open to endless possibilities for student exploration and “hands-on” learning. By providing students with ample opportunities to explore areas of their interest, the curriculum focuses on using the strengths of the students to build self-esteem and the important preschool skills of socialization, language development, academic readiness and motor development.

Educated staff
The staff consists of well-trained, experienced educators driven by the educational philosophy of the Monticello Central School District and the early childhood policies of Easter Seals. They strive to provide an educationally stimulating classroom environment enriched with positive behavior management strategies. In a Project Excel classroom, children receive developmentally appropriate pre-academic instruction. Daily
opportunities to participate in learning experiences and activities such as art, music, and movement, help encourage children’s self expression. Guided socialization activities and exposure to high quality literature are also a part of the diverse curriculum. Additionally, there are opportunities for gross motor development,
participation in simple cooking activities, exposure to science activities, and computer instruction.

Accredited programs
Monticello’s Project Excel is fully approved by the NY State Education Department to provide special education services for infants,
toddlers and preschool children. This approval also includes the certification to conduct education screenings and evaluations for children throughout Sullivan County. It is also approved by the Office of Children and Family Services to provide day care services for children.

Applications and more information are available at Project Excel located at the St. John Street Education Center in Monticello, or by calling 845-794-4020.
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Scholarship information available

Directions to the Saint John Street Learning Center below:

From Highway/Route 17:

• Take Hwy 17 Exit 105 A 

• Continue on State Route 42/Pleasant Street for about 1 mile (watch for signs for 42) 

• Turn Right onto Broadway (route 42) 

• Turn left onto Saint John Street right after Eckerd Pharmacy.

• The Saint John Street Learning Center is on your right. The main entrance is in the rear of the building. Make a right onto Bedford Ave. to get to the rear parking lot.

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