Officials at the Camden Preschool Initiative announcement: David Mayer, Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen, Louis Bezich, George Norcross, Congressman Donald Norcross, NJ Governor Phil Murphy
CAMDEN, NJ – Camden’s civic, health, education, and government leaders today announced the launch of the Camden Preschool Initiative, a groundbreaking, evidence-based pilot program and study to assess and strengthen preschool education in Camden City.
The initiative combines expert analysis and community engagement to design a preschool model tailored to the needs of Camden’s youngest students. The goal is to ensure every child is kindergarten ready by having the resources needed for lifelong success and learning. The plan seeks to create a sustainable, evidence-based model for early childhood education in Camden City.
This collaborative effort is being led by the Center for Family Services, the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors, and Camden City School District, with support from Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Cooper University Health Care, the Camden Community Partnership, and Camden’s Catholic Partnership Schools and informed by insights from the New Jersey Department of Education.
“Strong early childhood education is one of the smartest investments a state can make,” said Governor Phil Murphy, who was a special guest at the event. “Over the course of my Administration, we have created thousands of new high-quality preschool seats in communities across New Jersey, advancing our mission to put our state on course for universal preschool. I commend the many cross-sector partners who are joining together under the Camden Preschool Initiative for helping our kids access the best possible education at the earliest stages of life.”
The Camden Preschool Initiative has two main components:
- A comprehensive study of preschool strategies and best practices—conducted by TNTP, a nationally recognized education consulting firm—to identify approaches that best fit Camden.
- A micro-pilot program involving 120 students to field test three key educational strategies:
- Enhanced social-emotional learning curriculum and teacher training.
- Dedicated on-site speech and language therapy.
- Behavioral and family support through an on-site BCBA/social worker.
Among the factors to be examined in the comprehensive study are:
- Longer school day.
- Longer school year.
- Greater access to special education.
- Enhancements to social and emotional learning programs.
- Delegating all district preschool delivery to community-based providers.
- Enriching family and parent engagement.
- More robust speech and language programming.
“Every child deserves the chance to start life on equal footing,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “The Camden Preschool Initiative is about more than education—it’s about community. When we come together to support our youngest learners and their families, we strengthen the entire city. This collaboration reflects Camden at its best—neighbors, educators, and leaders working side by side to build a brighter future for our children.”
“This initiative is another important step in Camden’s growth,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “By focusing on early education, we can change lives before challenges take root—creating a lifelong impact for our children, families, and city.”
“Camden has undergone one of the greatest renaissances in American history thanks to the commitment and partnership between government, non-profits, businesses and the community, working together on everything from nationally acclaimed improvements in public safety, new schools driving better outcomes, programs like the Camden Health and Athletic Association and Camden Works, and to the announcement earlier this month of the largest investment in new housing the city has ever seen,” said George E. Norcross, III today. “But I believe that the Camden Preschool Initiative is the most important thing we can do to ensure that every child, whether they go to public or Catholic schools, gets the health screenings and testing for learning and other disabilities that are so critical to their development and parents in suburban towns take for granted.”
Funding for both efforts—totaling more than $550,000—is being provided by the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors and the Norcross Foundation. The Center for Family Services, a long-time preschool and Head Start provider in Camden, will administer the program. The study as well as the pilot program at KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy have begun.
“Supporting this initiative reflects the very essence of our mission,” said David Mayer, chair of the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors. “Our investment in this effort is an investment in Camden’s future—one that will yield both human and economic returns by ensuring that every child begins their educational journey on solid footing.”
“Today’s announcement is about partnerships—with one another and with the families we serve,” said Louis Bezich, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of Cooper University Health Care. “By aligning the expertise of our city’s leading institutions, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier Camden—one where every child starts life with the opportunity to succeed.”
Research shows that high-quality preschool programs can dramatically improve school readiness, reduce achievement gaps, and foster long-term academic and social-emotional success. The Camden Preschool Initiative will bring those proven practices to scale by identifying what works best for Camden’s children and families.
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