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“CONGRATULATING EL PRIMER PASO LTD.” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1042 on June 8, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CONGRATULATING EL PRIMER PASO LTD.
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HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor El Primer Paso Ltd., a preschool located in Dover, Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary.
In 1969, a group of volunteers formed El Primer Paso with the intent of preparing children from the local Hispanic community for the public school education curriculum. Realizing the unparalleled importance of a solid educational foundation, these volunteers aimed to help local children of preschool age in valuable areas such as the English language and developmental growth.
The Trinity Lutheran Church of Dover loaned El Primer Paso meeting space for its first year, but in 1970 it moved to a house on Richards Avenue, owned by the Holy Rosary Church. Seven years later, the organization received a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act grant, its first government assistance. This grant allowed El Primer Paso to pay the salaries of two teachers, paving the way for the establishment of a formal program, complete with two half-day sessions, five days a week.
In 1980, El Primer Paso added adult language courses in response to numerous requests from parents of the preschoolers. These courses have since flourished into a thriving English as a Second Language Program, teaching local adults valuable communication skills for both work and social environments.
In 1984, El Primer Paso further expanded to include a preschool program for three year-olds. Four years later, the organization also began sponsorship of a Family Childcare Program, which provides training to those who desire to open Family Childcare homes. It also became a sponsor in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's Family Child Care Food Program, ensuring that children receiving childcare from registered providers would receive nutritionally balanced meals and snacks at no cost to their parents.
Finally, in November 2000, after many years of borrowing space from the Holy Rosary Church, El Primer Paso opened the doors to its brand new facility at 29 Segur Street in Dover. Then, in 2009, the organization received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a standard met by fewer than ten percent of preschools across the nation.
El Primer Paso continues to look toward tomorrow as it prepares to expand its facilities. As they have the most devoted staff and trusties, the future of their school, as well as their students, is sure to be bright.
Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating El Primer Paso Ltd., for its 40 years of admirable service to the community.
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