On October 16, the Murphy administration announced that it is awarding almost $20 million to 18 school districts in New Jersey. This funding aims to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
The money comes from the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. It is estimated that this funding will allow over 1,200 children to attend high-quality preschool programs. These programs must meet specific criteria, including:
A certified teacher
An aide
A curriculum aligned with New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards
Small class sizes that include children with special needs who have individualized education plans
Officials state that the awarded districts have shown they can provide high-quality preschool education. Currently, state-funded, high-quality programs are available in 293 school districts, with 229 of those established during Governor Murphy’s administration.
“Our investment in early childhood education lays a strong foundation for our youngest learners,” said Governor Phil Murphy in a press release. “Today’s announcement is part of my ongoing commitment to expand early childhood education. Our long-term goal is to ensure that every three- and four-year-old in the state has access to a high-quality preschool program.”
Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer praised the rapid growth of preschool programs across the state. “With today’s announcement, we will provide nearly 77,000 children in New Jersey with a state-funded high-quality preschool program each year,” Dehmer said. “This is a significant number of young lives whose futures will be positively impacted by our efforts.”
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