A unique collaboration between Morris County Government and the Head Start Community Program of Morris County has resulted in six new preschool classrooms at the county’s non-profit mall at the site of the former Greystone Hospital. 

The new space, crafted to meet exacting state standards, has facilities for 90 new students from low-income families. The County Commissioners (formally Freeholders) named the building after Head Start’s long-time president, Robert C. Grant, a Denville Resident for 50 years.  

Morris County Government bonded for the construction costs and Head Start leases the finished classrooms.  

Grant said, “This is truly a unique collaborative effort where the resources of County Government, the Morris School District and Head Start have combined to bring educational and family support services to those who most need them. We thank the Freeholders for their concern for the economically disadvantaged and we want to single out John Bonanni, County Administrator, for his wise guidance.”

The facility will focus on Morristown-area families and free, full-day services for low-income families offered through a federal Head Start grant and a state preschool education collaboration with the Morris School District.

This project marks the expansion of Morris County’s effective Head Start Program, said state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco at the opening dedication. 

“The valuable space and new classrooms are already helping build an educational foundation for children from low-income families. With the help of this program, students will develop curiosity and a passion for learning that will help make them better prepared and more proficient when they enter the school system. These impressionable youngsters will develop academic skills that will benefit them for decades to come,” Grant said.

With the opening of the new classrooms, wraparound childcare and summer programming is also planned to support working parents. Head Start also will continue its main operations at its Dover facility with 197 students.