Cornerstone Family Programs & Morristown Neighborhood House received a 5-star rating from Grow NJ Kids, the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning across New Jersey. Grow NJ Kids star ratings easily help families recognize high-quality programs, but is just one of several factors to consider in finding the right program for your family’s needs.
“Achieving a 5-star rating is more than a recognition of excellence; it is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing children with the highest quality early learning experiences. This milestone represents the dedication, passion, and hard work of an incredible team that continuously strives to grow, improve, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and even more excited about what lies ahead.”
— Kirsy Mejia, Director of Childcare Services
Ratings are based on a comprehensive assessment of documentation, including the program’s curriculum and teacher/staff professional development records. In addition, raters review the classroom environment with in-person observations and other factors.
“To create a standard way to look at child care and early learning, Grow NJ Kids provides families with an objective rating system. Based on the findings of a preliminary assessment that the child care and early learning program does on itself, trained professionals work with the program staff to address areas needing improvement. Then, a trained rater, using a comprehensive, research-based tool, formally assesses the program,” says Assistant Director of the NJ Division of Family Development, Office of Child Care Andrea Breitwieser, which oversees the Grow NJ Kids program. “It also gives parents and families the tools needed to find programs that will make the most of their kid’s early learning experiences.”
Cornerstone should be proud of their rating, as rated programs provide a higher quality of care and are implementing standards significantly above New Jersey’s basic licensing requirements,” Breitwieser said.
The rating will help further the school’s mission to provide quality child care. Cornerstone strengthens communities by helping people build better lives and that starts with quality childcare for working parents.
Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House have been serving local families for over 200 years.
Their preschool program serves children from 14 months and walking through five years of age, providing a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Through a research-based curriculum, intentional teaching practices, and a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, the program supports each child’s individual growth and school readiness. Children benefit from nutritious daily meals, enrichment activities, educational field trips, and meaningful learning experiences that promote curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
The program also prioritizes strong family partnerships, ongoing professional development for educators, and comprehensive before and aftercare services to support the needs of working families.
With a commitment to continuous quality improvement, Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House strive to ensure that every child receives the high-quality early learning experiences they deserve.
While Grow NJ Kids ratings are valid for three years, programs are provided the tools for ongoing quality improvement. Between ratings, providers work to maintain or improve upon their achieved level of quality. Programs receive continuous coaching, professional developmentl, mentoring and in-class support and assistance.
For more information about Cornerstone Family Programs & Morristown Neighborhood House, visit www.cornerstonefamilyprograms.org or visit their childcare Instagram cfp_mnhchildcare or to find a participating Grow NJ Kids program near you, visit www.GrowNJKids.gov.