NEWARK, NJ — This year, La Casa de Don Pedro’s annual reception will celebrate “The Early Childhood Education Journey” by honoring New Jersey’s foremost advocates behind the Garden State’s rise to national leadership on early education.
“La Casa es Su Casa,” the Newark-based organization’s annual event, will be at the NJ Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 27, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Lauren Wells, Newark’s chief education officer, will serve as the evening’s host.
The reception will honor Advocates for Children of New Jersey; Barbara Reisman, philanthropic steward and longtime proponent of the expansion of high quality early childhood education; Nancy E. Rivera, Newark public school’s first director of Early Childhood Education for the Abbott preschool program; Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee; and Education Law Center for their tireless advocacy for the Abbott preschool program, now considered by experts to be among the nation’s best.
“We are honored to be recognized for the work we’ve done to ensure that New Jersey’s high quality, full-day preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds is the best in the nation,” said David Sciarra, Education Law Center’s executive director. “And we appreciate being included among La Casa’s honorees, who have demonstrated enormous commitment to early childhood education.”
La Casa de Don Pedro provides preschool education for Newark families. The free, English-Spanish dual program operates with the auspices of the Newark public schools in three centers that are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Participating preschool-aged children learn by playing and exploring their interests while being encouraged and supported by qualified staff. The program serves 255 children.
Early Childhood Education is only one of many La Casa programs, which also include housing, youth enrichment, immigration, job development and health services and more.
“For decades, La Casa has been devoted to the Newark community, working to educate, assist and empower residents,” Sciarra said. “ELC is very proud of the honor we’re receiving from the organization and very much looking forward to helping them celebrate early education.”
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