Dr. Lori Burns, Director of Early Childhood Education in the Robbinsville Public Schools district, knows preschool.
An 11-year veteran of preschool education, Burns is well-versed in the science-backed Creative Curriculum, which teaches the social-emotional skills that students can carry the rest of their lives.
Last year, she was eager to help launch Robbinsville’s new preschool program, which received more than $2.6 million in Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) funding from the state in 2024.
After just one year, the program has already grown into an exemplary model for other districts across the state.
With 14 classrooms split between Sharon Elementary School and Pond Road Middle School, the program emphasizes student independence and flexibility, encouraging children to grow through play-based learning and physical activity.
“Everything we do day-to-day is based on the most current research about early education best practices,” Burns said. “Preschoolers naturally want to play and explore, so we create structured spaces where they can learn organically instead of simply sitting at a desk.”
Preschool students arrive at 9:45 a.m. and participate in large group learning sessions, small group learning sessions and motor activity time throughout the day. Days also include a one-hour rest period. School days conclude at 3:45 p.m.
Daily routines are designed to give the young pupils a sense of familiarity with the Robbinsville Schools which carries over into kindergarten and beyond.
School years are broken up into eight “studies,” or learning units: social emotional education, trees, water, wheels, exercise, buildings, clothes and balls. Each study ends with a celebration that parents are invited to enjoy.
Classrooms are capped at 15 students; the program is open to children ages 3-5.
All preschool classrooms are divided into interest areas, such as spaces for building with toys or reading. Objects within the interest areas each have their own label in multiple languages, celebrating the district’s diversity of cultures and allowing students of all backgrounds to be represented.
In accordance with early childhood education best practices, the classrooms’ walls are adorned with student art, giving children a chance to see their creations proudly displayed to their peers.
“Students absolutely love seeing their work on the wall,” said Samantha McGovern, a teacher in the Robbinsville preschool program. “It gives them such a sense of accomplishment and allows them to be inspired by each other’s creativity.”
Helping teachers succeed are two Preschool Instructional Coaches: Kayla Potena, based in Sharon Elementary School, and Leigh Ann Niers, at Pond Road Middle School.
The PICs ensure teachers have access to all the resources and information they need to do their jobs as effectively as possible. Their consistent presence allows them to develop a rapport with teachers, students and administrators.
“Dr. Burns, the PICs and all our preschool teachers and staff have done a tremendous job building a new program which has already achieved great results,” said Superintendent Patrick Pizzo.
He added: “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this stellar program, and I am eager to see what year two and beyond holds.”
The program is free for Robbinsville residents. There are limited spots available for the 2025-26 school year. Interested parents and caretakers can register here.
