[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   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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