The things parents ask us first.

ESPIN serves children from infancy through Pre-K across four classrooms: Bumble Bees (infants, 6–18 months), Ladybugs (toddlers, 18 months–2½ years), Dragonflies (preschool, 2½–5 years), and Fireflies (Pre-K, 2½–5 years). Our team will help you find the right room for your child’s age and stage on a tour.

Classroom placement is primarily based on age, while also taking developmental readiness, classroom dynamics, teacher recommendations, and available space into consideration.

Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Yes. Full-day runs 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and half-day runs 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Both are available for all age ranges.

ESPIN offers full-time, half-day, three-day, and four-day programs, so families can choose the schedule that fits them best.

No. Before-care and after-care are not offered as separate programs. Care is included within our 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM day.

Yes, ESPIN operates all year. We also run a summer program for children ages 4 to 9.

Tuition is monthly and based on your child’s enrollment schedule rather than attendance. Rates vary by program and by the number of days your child is enrolled. Families may pay monthly or semi-monthly, and tuition reserves your child’s space in their program.

Tuition and enrollment fees vary by program and schedule. Contact ESPIN to learn more about current tuition, fees, availability, and enrollment requirements.

Tuition covers your child’s care and educational programming, age-appropriate curriculum, classroom activities, daily learning experiences, and access to our Brightwheel family app for updates, photos, and communication.

Additional fees may apply for special events, optional activities, field trips, or other services. Families are always notified in advance of any additional costs. A registration fee is due at enrollment. A deposit may be required depending on the program and enrollment terms. Families receive those details during the enrollment process.

Withdrawal requirements and applicable notice periods are outlined in the ESPIN enrollment agreement.

Rates depend on the program and schedule you choose, so we share them directly. Contact us or schedule a tour and our team will walk you through the options.

Families send food in and pack their child’s items daily. Occasionally lunch or snacks are provided by staff or the school, and allergies are always taken into consideration and discussed with families beforehand.

We take food allergies and dietary needs seriously. Families provide detailed information about any allergies or restrictions during enrollment so our team can create an individualized plan. Teachers are informed of each child’s specific needs, and we take precautions to help prevent exposure and cross-contact. If an allergic reaction occurs, staff follow the child’s emergency care plan and our established safety procedures.

Yes. We accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, religious and cultural food practices, and other individual needs wherever possible. Families share these with us at enrollment so we can plan appropriate meal and snack alternatives together. Medically necessary restrictions are documented and communicated to the staff caring for your child.

We partner closely with families so each infant’s feeding routine matches what they experience at home. Families may provide breast milk or formula, and we follow each child’s individualized feeding plan: schedule, type of milk or formula, and the gradual introduction of new foods. Bottles are individually labeled and stored appropriately, breast milk is handled according to New Jersey child-care requirements, bottles are never propped, and infants are held while feeding when developmentally appropriate.

ESPIN has one designated entry point with a secure access system and camera monitoring. Visitors ring the doorbell and are greeted by a member of our team before being permitted inside. Families and staff are asked never to prop open the door or admit anyone they do not know, and all visitors must be authorized and follow our visitor procedures.

Children are only released to individuals authorized by a parent or legal guardian, and families can update that list through our established procedures. When a new or unfamiliar authorized person arrives, a valid photo ID is required and staff verify them against the information on file. Children are not released to anyone not on the list unless the parent or guardian provides authorization according to our procedures.

Yes. ESPIN staff are trained in CPR and First Aid as required for their roles, through approved certification programs, and maintain current certifications. Our team is prepared to respond to medical emergencies and provide appropriate first aid while emergency services are contacted when necessary.

Yes, in designated areas of the center, to support the safety of children, families, and staff. Footage is available for management review only and is not accessible to families through an app or live-view portal. Our secure entry system also includes camera monitoring so our team can identify visitors before granting access.

Our procedures include fire drills and evacuation plans, emergency preparedness and response plans, secure building and visitor-entry procedures, First Aid and CPR response, emergency communication with families, current emergency contacts and authorized pickup information, procedures for medical emergencies including documented allergy and health plans, and regular staff training. Procedures are reviewed with staff and drills are conducted as required. In an emergency our priority is to keep children safe, account for every child, follow established procedures, and communicate with families.

ESPIN follows established medication administration and health policies so medications are handled safely and appropriately. Detailed procedures, required authorizations, and documentation are provided to families during enrollment.

ESPIN follows New Jersey child-care health and safety requirements and maintains policies on illness, exclusion, and return to care. Families receive the complete policies during enrollment and are walked through them on tour, so expectations are clear about when a child should stay home and when they may safely return.

Families receive regular updates through Brightwheel, our primary family communication platform. You can follow your child’s day, receive announcements, message teachers and administration, and access information about your child’s experiences.

Yes. Photos, classroom activities, learning experiences, and updates from your child’s day are shared through Brightwheel so you can stay connected while they are at school.

Yes, conferences are offered throughout the school year to discuss your child’s development, progress, experiences, and goals. Families are also welcome to reach teachers and administration any time questions come up.

ESPIN uses The Creative Curriculum® as part of our early childhood educational program. You can read how it plays out day to day on our curriculum page.

Yes, and it is intentional. Throughout the year children are introduced to different cultures, traditions, languages, families, music, art, stories, and celebrations through classroom experiences and age-appropriate activities, so they grow up curious about and respectful of the world around them. ESPIN has bilingual educators who help support communication with children and families.

Enrichment varies through the year so children can explore different interests. Depending on the season and programming it may include sports, music, dance, yoga, science, creative arts, movement and fitness, visiting programs, special guests, seasonal activities, and special events, planned around children’s ages and interests.

We primarily offer onsite field trips, bringing special visitors, programs, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences directly to the school so children enjoy them in the comfort and security of their own learning environment. Offerings vary through the year and typically include a sports-related experience.

Outdoor play is part of the daily routine, as weather and conditions permit. Our playground and outdoor areas are designed to support active play, imaginative play, and age-appropriate physical development.

After lunch children have a quiet period to rest, recharge, read, or take part in calm activities. Younger children follow developmentally appropriate rest and care routines based on their individual needs, and infants follow their own individualized schedules.

It starts with a tour. After that our team guides you through choosing a program, completing enrollment, meeting your child’s teachers, and getting set up on Brightwheel. The full path is laid out on our enrollment page.

A child’s enrollment is confirmed only when ESPIN has approved the enrollment, all required enrollment paperwork has been completed, the required registration fee has been paid, and ESPIN confirms the child’s enrollment and start date with the family. Submitting an inquiry, scheduling a tour, or completing paperwork on its own does not guarantee a place.

Before your child begins, families provide the required enrollment and health documentation. This may include immunization records, a current physical or health record, emergency contact information, authorized pickup information, and other required forms. Our onboarding team gives you a clear list based on your child’s age and program.

Either. Families can complete enrollment paperwork digitally or with hard copies, whichever is easier.

If a program is full, ESPIN may keep a waitlist for families interested in future openings. Share your contact information and preferred program and our team will reach out when a space becomes available. Availability changes through the year, so we encourage families to tour and connect with our enrollment team even when a program is currently full.

Yes, pick a day and time online, or call us at 908-688-8250.

ESPIN Preschool Center opened in 2015 and has been serving Union families since.

ESPIN is a state-licensed New Jersey child care center. Proudly participating in Grow NJ Kids — a 3-star rated program.

Yes, with written permission. Parents and guardians review and sign a photo and media release as part of enrollment, authorizing ESPIN to photograph or record their child for program-related purposes such as the website, social media, newsletters, and school communications. Signed permissions are kept in the child’s records, as New Jersey regulations require. Parents may decline the photography release and still enroll their child, and may withdraw permission at any time by notifying ESPIN administration in writing. When permission is withdrawn, we stop using the child’s image in future publications and make reasonable efforts to remove or discontinue materials still under ESPIN’s control; materials already distributed and no longer retrievable cannot be recalled. ESPIN does not publish a child’s name alongside their photograph. Our privacy policy explains how we handle information more broadly.