John T. Rich Jr. was born in the state of Virginia in 1948. His family relocated to New Jersey during Mr. Rich’s Early Childhood years.
Mr. Rich is a graduate of West Side High School in Newark, NJ and he received his BA Degree in Elementary Education and Business Administration from Kean College in Union, NJ. Mr. Rich also attended Graduate School at New Jersey City University (NJCU) majoring in Supervision and Administration.
Mr. Rich served in the United States Army for three (3) years as the Company Clerk, which required a Tour of Duty in the Republic of Korea. He was honorably Discharged in May of 1971 and upon his discharge he was awarded ” The Army Commendation Medal” for his outstanding meritorious service.
Mr. Rich’s first Early Childhood job was a Director/Head teacher for the First N Infant Care-T/A Baby world in Jersey City, New Jersey. His second job was as a Preschool Direct for the Tender Loving Care Day Care Center in East Orange, New Jersey, before taking on the position of Head Teacher/Director for the Sarah Ward Nursery in Newark, New Jersey. in January of 2013, Mr. Rich assumed the Executive Directors position after the demise of Gayle Kloepfer.
Mr. Rich is very humble and realizes that it takes a village to operate three(3) centers. He is very appreciative of all the staff and other colleagues in the early childhood field for their help and support and takes nothing for granted. He loves what he does and his main concern is for the well- being of children and families that attend the Sarah Ward Nurseries.
Mr. Rich is involved in many professional organizations throughout the state and City of Newark, New Jersey. He is a family man with a strong love for God, Mr. Rich believes that “God has blessed each and every one of us with their own special gifts and talents and we should use this gift to the best of our ability to help others”
Mr. Rich states that “We are role models for children, whatever we do for them makes an everlasting impression”.
Lydia Peart was born and raised in Newark, NJ. She attended Barringer High School, graduated with high honors, and went on to attend Kean College. After brief stay at Kean, she withdrew, got married, and began to raise her family. She returned to school several years later to complete her studies and received her Bachelors of Science from Caldwell College. For many years, Lydia was employed as a Civil Service employee and had a change of careers in 1997 and became the Business Administrator for the NJ Foundation for the Blind. It was during her tenure working with the vision impaired that she began to enjoy being a part of quality provider service. Lydia’s introduction to early childhood began with her substituting for a teacher at St. Ann Daycare and what would have been 2 weeks turned into her becoming a program director, a CDA instructor, and completing early childhood training. She currently holds an Administrator Credential in Early Childhood and serves as the Co-Chair of the Essex County Council for Young Children. In addition, she is the former Executive Director of Hearts Academy 1. She is also a former Abbot Director for New Hope Child Development Center. One of Lydia’s favorite pastimes is hanging out with her three adult daughter and her nine grandchildren. She is very active at her church Harvest International Pentecostal Church of Christ where she serves as Elder of Ministry Operations. Lydia is also a facilitator the the Strengthen Families 14-week Family Academy that is offered by Newark Public Schools. She has volunteered for the last 2 years to empower parents to increase their parenting skills. Lydia stated that she “is so honored to be selected to lead such a quality childcare program. Sarah Ward Nursery Lock Street welcomes the youngest learners starting with our toddlers and continuing with our Pre-k 3 and 4 years old. Sarah Ward Nursery is a NAEYC accredited center and is currently active member in ‘Grow NJ Kids'”. Lydia Peart is committed to Sarah Ward Nursery receiving our 5 star rating.
Michael Keyes currently assumes the role of Director at the Sarah Ward Nursery site on Sanford Ave in Newark, NJ. He began this awesome preschool journey in June of 2018; after resigning from the Bordentown Regional School District. The preparation for this new journey began in 1978, his graduation from Long Branch H.S. He then continued his education at Rutgers University. After graduating from Rutgers with his B.A. in Sociology, Mr. Keyes received his first taste of educational leadership; becoming a Substitute Teacher in his hometown. Once the school year concluded, it was time to secure a fulltime job; and hopefully a career. His prayers were answered when a new job opportunity was offered by the State of New Jersey. Michael began working with “At Risk Youth” in the Fall of 1983. During his time with the State of New Jersey Mr. Keyes earned his Elementary Education Certification, and entered Graduate School to attain a Certification in Special Education. After more than 31 years in this field it was time for a rest. Michael decided to retire. His retirement didn’t last long, six months later he went back to work. For the next three years Mr. Keyes worked in the field of Special Education for the Bordentown Township School District. Michael then returned to full time employment when he was offered a position in Newark New Jersey as a Preschool Director. I was ready for a change and a challenge at this point in my life; Sarah Ward Nursery gave me this opportunity.
Mr. Keyes is a Director who leads by example. He believes in honesty, consistency, independence, transparent communication, self-discipline, and accountability. He is the ultimate problem solver who looks at all situations from multiple perspectives. Michael is slow to anger and judge, but most of all and above all else, he is a “Maker and Keeper of Peace”.
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