Preschool FAQs
SUSSEX-WANTAGE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
PRESCHOOL FAQ’s
REGISTRATION/LOTTERY
How do I go about registering?
Pre-registration was held until March 7, 2025.
When will we receive an answer if we make it into a preschool class?
Pre-registration was open until March 7th. Every child who pre registered, met the age criteria, and is a Sussex-Wantage resident was included in the lottery held on March 26th. Parents will be sent an offer of a seat in the order of their number assigned in the lottery to the email address given in the pre registration form. As seats are filled, we will continue to move through the lottery list with offers of seats.
If my child is selected in the lottery, will they be assigned to the school their sibling is enrolled in?
At this time, there are classes at CE Lawrence School, classes at Wantage School, classes at Second Home, class at HeadStart, and classes at First Impressions. Parents will be able to communicate their school preference. However, the district is not able to guarantee placement in the school of preference.
Will twins be submitted as one in the lottery? Meaning both get in or both will not.
Twins and preschool aged siblings will each need to be pre-registered individually. If one child is selected via the lottery then both children will be invited to attend the program.
What would I do if I didn’t sign up for pre registration?
Please contact the Board of Education office and your child will be placed on a waiting list. If additional spots open throughout the year, we will contact you.
AGES
Can a 5 year old qualify?
The child must be 3 or 4 on or before October 1, 2025. If a child turns 5 on or before October 1, 2025, they are not eligible for preschool and would be considered Kindergarten age.
Does Sussex-Wantage offer a year to grow?
No. Please reach out to an outside provider for the year to grow options.
LOCATIONS
Where will the preschool classes be located?
Currently, we have preschool locations at CE Lawrence School, Wantage School, Second Home, HeadStart and First Impressions.
CURRICULUM/EXPECTATIONS/SCHEDULE
What is/are the curriculum?
All of our classrooms utilize the Creative Curriculum which is aligned with the NJ Preschool Teaching & Learning Standards.
What are typical class sizes?
The maximum size for each preschool classroom is 15 students. Both 3 and 4 year old students will be placed in classes together.
What is the student/teacher ratio?
There will be one certified teacher and at least one teacher's assistant per 15 students.
How much play time is incorporated?
Students will have choice time both in the AM and PM, and outside play (30 min) weather permitting.
Is there a nap time?
Yes, nap time is offered daily for one hour.
Do students need to be potty trained prior to the beginning of the program?
Students do not need to be potty trained for the program and bathrooms are available for each classroom. Families will take the lead at home and school will help transition the skill to school.
What kind of assistance will be offered if students have a potty accident at school?
Students will be assisted as needed for an accident. The goal is always to foster as much independence as appropriate for the individual child.
SCHEDULE
What is the time frame in which the kids are in school?
Although each school’s start and end times are different, students must be in attendance for a minimum of six hours, as per the state guidelines. We do not offer a part time program.
What is the cost?
There is no cost for our universal preschool program through the Sussex-Wantage District Preschool.
Does preschool have access to before and after care?
Sussex-Wantage Schools do not provide before school or after school care for preschool age students. If before/after care is something you are interested in, please contact one of our off-site preschools for additional information.
FOOD
How will lunches and snacks be handled?
Currently, lunch and snack times are provided daily according to the classroom schedule. Parents are to send healthy snacks to school with their child each day. Lunch can be sent in from home or purchased through the cafeteria. The school lunch menu is posted on the district website.
FUNDING
How long will this funding be available?
The preschool expansion funding is provided by the state of New Jersey with no anticipated expiration date at this time.
TRANSPORTATION
Is bussing available for preschool students?
Busing is available within the boundaries of Sussex-Wantage. Transportation to First Impressions must be provided by the parent/guardian.