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SCC, Garfield Educators Hold Dedication
For New Garfield Early Childhood Learning Center
State Fully Funded, Managed $7.7 Million Community Pre-School
Garfield, NJ (October 27, 2004) – New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) representatives joined Garfield School District educators, area officials and community supporters today for the grand opening the new Garfield Early Childhood Learning Center – one of the first new schools completed by SCC in the City of Garfield. Young children, their families, and community residents will be the first to learn, thrive, and improve their quality of life in this state-of-the-art facility.

The event featured a ribbon cutting, open house and tours of the new 45,000-square-foot facility. It includes 24 pre-kindergarten classrooms, a commons area, a health suite and a multi-purpose cafetorium/gymnasium to provide 21st century educational opportunities for approximately 360 3- and 4-year-old students.

SCC provided $7.7 million in funding and oversaw construction of the new school in the Bergen County municipality under the New Jersey’s unprecedented school construction program. Built by Gale Construction Company and designed by MRM Architects, the Early Childhood Learning Center features a shared specialized program space, the commons area, which is accessible to Garfield residents as a community meeting room after hours and on weekends.
"This new early childhood center in Garfield is an important part of New Jersey’s continued commitment to our children and their future. Every child should have the opportunity to get the education they deserve," said SCC CEO John F. Spencer, "We in New Jersey know that the earliest years are the most important when it comes to how successful a child will be in life. This Early Childhood Learning Center will help provide the kind of environment where young people can learn and thrive as they prepare for success in school."
Superintendent Nicholas Perrapato stated, "The construction of the Garfield Early Childhood Center required the concerted effort, perseverance, stamina, and patience of many people. Additionally, it required a cooperative effort between the SCC and the Garfield Board of Education. Both entities realize the importance of public education and, further, that our children represent the future of our city, our state, and our nation. This school provides our early childhood learners with a model facility which will aid in formulating their educational and social foundations."
Pre-School Students Participate in Tree Planting

As SCC marks its second year of transforming New Jersey’s educational infrastructure, it has hundreds of school construction projects under way and is making tremendous progress in the building of quality schools statewide. SCC is responsible for implementing New Jersey's $8.6 billion school building program – the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey, and one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.

On behalf of Governor McGreevey, Herman Kolbe,
Regional Director SCC, presents Superintendent Nicholas Perrapato
with a proclamation. 
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