Since its founding in 1972, La Casa de Don Pedro’s has provided quality education and care to young children. We now educate and support more than 600 expecting mothers, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers on their way to kindergarten, to provide a supportive, nurturing, educational, and culturally sensitive program that’s second to none.

Working in collaboration with Newark Public Schools and the Federal Head Start Program, our programs are free for Newark families. Our Head Start and Early Head Start programs are dedicated to income-eligible families only who meet or fall below the Federal Poverty Level. We have ten early childhood education centers located in all Newark wards.

Our commitment to quality is further evidenced by the accreditation of two of our three Preschool Centers by the highly competitive National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This prestigious recognition is a testament to our dedication to providing the highest standard of early childhood education. Since our inception in Head Start in 2016, we have been expanding our reach and impact, serving residents of all Newark’s wards in prenatal and infant toddler care, as well as expanded early childhood education.

Now Enrolling!
Head Start & Early Head Start programs and NAEYC-accredited preschool.

Head Start education programs:

(For income-eligible Newark families)

We offer free Head Start and Early Head Start programs for income-eligible expecting mothers, infant and toddler care (ages 0-3), and preschool (ages 3-5) programs to income-eligible Newark families. Programs run weekdays. Before- and after-care may also be available.

How do I enroll in the Head Start/Early Head Start programs?
See list of locations below and contact the corresponding Center Director by phone number or e-mail listed. Provide copies of your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, proof of family income, and 3 proofs of residency.

How do I enroll in the Expectant Mothers (Prenatal) Program?
Join La Casa de Don Pedro’s Expectant Mother’s program to get access to comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care, resources, referrals, and more. To register, contact Stefany Abreu-Rodriguez at 862-400-1125 or [email protected].

Where are the Head Start/Early Head Start Education centers?

201 First St. / Head Start & Early Head Start / 862-237-9260 /
Center Director: Michelle Coleman, [email protected]

168-174 Roseville Ave. / Head Start / 862-237-9320 /
Center Director: Ronaldo Sabangan, [email protected]

87-89 St. Francis St. / Head Start / 862-237-9330 /
Center Director: Mariuxi Campoverde Nolivos, [email protected]

30 Demarest Street. / Early Head Start / 646-480-6892 /
Center Director: Mitzi Sierra, [email protected]

PRESCHOOL EDUCATION

Free NAEYC-Accredited Early Childhood Education in partnership with Newark Public Schools is available for children ages 3 to 5.

How do I enroll my child in the preschool Early Childhood Education programs? (These are the Non-Head Start programs)

See list of locations below and contact the corresponding Center Director by phone number or e-mail listed. Your child must be 3-5 years of age on or before October 1st to be eligible. Provide copies of your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and 3 proofs of residency.

Where are the Early Childhood Education centers and how do I contact them?

75 Park Ave. | Preschool | 973-485-0850 | Center Director: Ashley Vasquez-Ortiz, [email protected]

39 Broadway | Preschool | 973-481-4091 | Center Director: Simone Battick, [email protected]

202 First St. | Preschool | 973-350-0530 | Center Director, Gloria Jerez, [email protected]
Contact Us!

Early Childhood Administrative Headquarters – 221 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd. (221 Broad Street); 973-483-4761
Margaret Morales, Managing Director of Early Childhood, [email protected].

We are proud to have a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors committed to our mission. They represent and personify the communities that we serve offering a broad range of expertise and knowledge that supports La Casa’s vision. We are grateful for their dedication and commitment to helping us reach new heights.

La Casa de Don Pedro’s leadership team’s personal experiences, professional track record, ongoing training, and leadership on boards, coalitions, and advisory boards make us uniquely qualified to lead an organization whose foundation is building community resilience. With an average tenure of 17 years at La Casa, we are regional experts in our respective fields.

Peter T. Rosario, President & CEO
Rosalina “Wendy” Melendez, Vice President of Programs
Garfield Grant, Vice President of Finance and Administration
Ivonne Salazar, Vice President of Development and External Relations