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 seven early childhood education centers located throughout Newark.

Now enrolling for Head Start, Early Head Start, and NAEYC-accredited programs!

Head Start education programs:
Prenatal care/infant & toddler care/preschool

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: Simone Battick, [email protected]

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

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

PRESCHOOL EDUCATION

(Free for all Newark families regardless of income)

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: Milton Garcia, [email protected]

202 First St. / Preschool / 973-350-0530 / Center Director, Gloria Jerez, [email protected]

Early Childhood Administrative Headquarters – 221 Broad Street / 973-483-4761 / [email protected]