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”.