Glen Rock Preschool & Playground

Written By Christine Parlamis

I’ve heard and read some questions recently about the new Glen Rock Early Childhood Preschool and playground at the High School and Middle School. I’ve also been asked for more details on the playground and its cost. While I wasn’t serving on the Board when the preschool was originally planned and do not favor the location of the playground, I do want to provide helpful information. I’ve pulled together the details below. If you have additional questions, please reach out at cparlamis@gmail.com.

— Background — 

The Glen Rock School District is legally required to provide education for children ages 3–21 with developmental delays or disabilities. These may include motor skill delays, language delays, processing issues, autism, or any condition requiring an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Previously, Glen Rock offered a class for preschool aged students with disabilities at Coleman. 

In 2023, the District was awarded an $870,000 state Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) grant, designated exclusively for the expansion and renovation (no new construction) of preschool facilities. 

To increase capacity of the existing early childhood program, the program was moved from Central. No elementary school space was available for expansion and new construction was not permitted under the grant. The grant money was used to renovate the space in the Middle School/ High School into an integrated preschool with 3 classrooms and multiple individual meeting rooms,

And the Early Childhood Program was launched. 

— About — 

  • The Early Childhood Program is open to all 3 and 4 year-old Glen Rock residents.

  • Program Size: 3 classrooms: 42 children max. (Previous capacity was 12 students)

  • 3 Classrooms: 1 inclusive, 2 may be inclusive (students with special needs may be placed with general education tuition-paying students)

  • Tuition: $5,300 (5 half-days) or $9,200 (5 full-days)

  • Times: held Monday through Friday, from 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., aligned with the district calendar

  • Playground: 30’ x 52’ (1,560 sq ft). Project was bid to multiple vendors.

— Timeline — 

  • Summer 2023 – District receives $870K PEA grant

  • Sept/Oct 2023 – Board accepts grant; approves facilities, staffing, and curriculum; grant integrated into FY 2023–24 budget

  • Spring 2024 – Preschool budget approved; playground bid approved

  • Summer 2024 – Renovations begin to relocate program to GRHS/MS; contracts finalized; new staffing approved for 2024–25

  • Spring 2025 – Board approves vendor for playground

— Project Costs — 

  • Total Budgeted Preschool + Playground Cost: 

    • Overall Project Cost (Preschool & Playground): $2,578,017

    • State Grant: $870,000 

    • Net budgeted cost for Preschool & Playground:  $1,708,017  ($2,578,017-$870,000)

  • Playground Costs

    • Total Budgeted Playground Cost: $403,500 

      • Square Footage: 1,560 sq ft

      • Cost per Sq Ft: $258

      • Funding Source: District Capital Reserve

      • Detailed Breakdown of $403,500 Cost

        • $23,000 – Equipment

        • $20,000 – Installation

        • $90,000 – Rubber surface

        • $177,000 – Site preparation, fencing, sidewalks, restoration

        • $56,000 – Architect, survey, environmental testing/remediation

        • $38,000 – Contingency/allowance

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Christine Parlamis
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