Montclair Community Play Center

Montclair Community Play Center offers a play-based, hands-on preschool with parent participation required. The preschool day includes arrival and free play, circle time, balloon groups, outside play, and closing circles. The program also includes Toddler Playtime classes, Spanish Enrichment for enrolled Owl and Bobcat students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, and Extended Day for enrolled Owl and Bobcat students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.

Programs

• Preschool — Children during the two years prior to kindergarten; eligible to begin if they reach age 3 before September 1st of the school year, with some exceptions made for Fall/Winter birthdays · Mon-Fri; daily program · Play-based, hands-on preschool; parent participation is required; enrollment limited to 30 children; optional Spanish Enrichment and Extended Day are available
• Toddler Playtime — Toddlers; exact age range not stated · Weekday classes · Toddler playtime classes
• Summer Camp — Ages 3½ to 5½ years · Three 2-week sessions; Mon-Thu, 9 am-12:30 pm; optional extended days Mon-Thu, 12:30-3 pm · Maximum of 30 children per session; one parent per family works one day during the summer session
• Turtle Camp — Ages 2¾ to 3¾ years; child must turn three by September 1 to be eligible · One 6-week session; Fridays only, 9-11:45 am · Maximum of 14 children; one parent per family volunteers to work and bring snack one day during the summer session

At a glance

• Ages: 2–5 years old
• Current session: Fall Toddler Playtime Sessions (Sep 14–Dec 19, 2026)
• General schedule: During the preschool day: 9:00 am arrival and free play; 11:00 am circle time; 11:15 am balloon groups; 11:30 am outside play; 11:45 am closing circles; 12:00 pm school ends for most children.

About the provider

Montclair Community Play Center is a parent’s cooperative preschool established in 1933. The leadership team includes Jolie McRae, Director/Teacher; Jamie Barret Riley, Preschool Teacher; Nick Ventresco, Preschool, Extended Day, and Toddler Playtime Teacher; Isabel Rodriguez, Spanish Enrichment Teacher; and Simone Greenberg, Extended Day Teacher. The school says it emphasizes play-based, hands-on learning and lists parent participation as a requirement of attending the school.

• Spanish Enrichment — Enrolled Owl and Bobcat students · M/W, 12-3 pm · Spanish culture, language, and songs are incorporated into lessons
• Extended Day — Enrolled Owl and Bobcat students · T/Th, 12-3 pm · Optional extended day for enrolled students

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are closed. Waitlist inquiries go to [email protected]. Enrollment is limited to 30 children. Financial assistance is available and is awarded based on need. Admissions prioritize children from alumni families and those from underrepresented marginalized groups; a diversity lottery and other lotteries are used. The school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin.

What families say

“MCPC was a wonderful experience for my shy kid. He blossomed into a happy confident kid, thanks to the amazing teachers and warm community.” — Karen H.

“I learned to be a better parent and live in the moment with my child. He had a good time too.” — Wendy A.

Last updated September 20, 2026.