Project TEACH (Teen Education and Child Health) is an alternative, year-round education program for pregnant or parenting teens. The program meets the unique needs of students who benefit from a small academic setting to earn their high school diploma. The healing-centered approach addresses students' social and emotional needs while they pursue their academic studies.

The mission of the Project TEACH program is to provide a comprehensive educational program that provides pregnant and parenting adolescents with the skills needed to create a positive life for themselves and their children. The program strives to ensure each student will receive a high school diploma from his or her local high school or return to their local school district to complete their education. Students do not leave the program until a support system is in place at home or in the community.

Project TEACH programs are located in:

• Atlantic County
• Burlington County
• Camden County (Cherry Hill)
• Cape May County
• Cumberland County
• Mercer County
• Monmouth County
• Ocean county
• Passaic County
• Union County  
• Warren County

Each program:

• Serves students between ages 13 and 21 who have not completed high school
• Accepts students referred by local school districts or placed by a Department of Children and Families, state agencies, or the court system
• Limits class size to no more than 12 students at any one time
• Provides specialized case management services to support pre- and post-natal linkages to community resources and transitional support
• Provides each student with an educational program based on the curriculum and graduation requirements of his/her local high school
• Provides Child Study Team services, as required
• Provides NJ Certified teachers

Project TEACH licensed child care centers provide:

• On-site care for infants 0 to 2 ½ years of age
• Primary caregiving by well-trained professionals
• A loving, safe, and stimulating environment
• Individualized age and developmentally appropriate curriculum

Students can enroll in Project TEACH any time after they find out they are pregnant. Infants and "expected" infants are automatically enrolled into the licensed childcare center with a student’s acceptance into Project TEACH and available space in the nursery.

For more information about Project TEACH, call the Office of Education at 609-888-7990 or Email: [email protected]  

Eligibility	Students
Age Groups	Adolescents
Community Services	Community Community Education Education Adult Education / Literacy Early Childhood Education Educational Services English as a Second Language (ESL) Professional Education / Training Public School Family & Support Services Family Support Pregnancy / Teen Pregnancy
Health Services	Medical Health / Wellness / Nutrition
Payment Options	State Funding State-Public Contracted Service
Language Spoken	Spanish
Areas Served	Atlantic County Burlington County Camden County Cape May County Cumberland County Essex County Gloucester County Hunterdon County Mercer County Monmouth County Ocean County Passaic County Union County Warren County State-Wide

Last Updated: 07/19/24