Gingham Giraffe

Since 1990, Gingham Giraffe has provided a child-focused, whole-family approach to early childhood education, serving families in Chatham, NJ and surrounding areas. Our mission, established by Director Gail Smith and continued by Co-Director Alison Jackson, prioritizes flexibility, inclusivity, and modern parenting needs. With eight preschool classrooms maintaining a six-month age span, we ensure developmentally appropriate curricula tailored to each child's strengths. Our team teaching model employs 2-4 certified educators per class, achieving exceptional student-teacher ratios of 5:1 for younger children and 8:1 for older students. All faculty members hold certifications in Early Education, Special Education, and Positive Discipline, with ongoing professional development in social-emotional learning and classroom management.

Our facility features sunlit classrooms, a shaded playground, full gymnasium, and on-site therapeutic services, operating as a nut-free environment with strict allergy protocols. We offer extended day options until 3 PM, including electives in STEM, Spanish, and Fine Arts, while maintaining partnerships with families through regular progress reports and Remind app communication. With most teachers returning annually for over a decade, our stability ensures consistent, high-quality care. CPR and First Aid certifications are mandatory for all staff, complemented by rigorous background checks. Our Full Day Kindergarten program aligns with NJ State Core Curriculum standards, preparing students for seamless transitions to first grade through academic fundamentals and creative enrichment.