New Jersey will receive $42 million in federal grants this week to renovate and expand preschool facilities in 22 school districts, creating 1,493 new seats in district-run programs.
The funding is part of the second round of the Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grants. This round includes a total of $120 million, allocated from the federal American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, as part of the FY23 state budget. The first round of grants, announced in November 2023, provided over $74 million for preschool facilities.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of preschool in shaping a child’s future. “High-quality preschool can positively impact the trajectory of a child’s life, which is why we have made it our mission to expand access to these critical programs,” he said. “These grants represent an investment in our children’s futures and will help bring us closer to achieving universal preschool in New Jersey.”
Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer noted that while many communities are eager to establish high-quality preschool programs, the biggest barrier has been the lack of suitable facilities. “This initiative is a major step toward ensuring all children have access to quality preschool,” he said. “It will provide school districts with the funding needed to build, expand, or renovate facilities specifically for preschool students.”
The funding is part of a broader effort to achieve universal preschool in New Jersey. The state aims to combine district-provided preschool programs with classrooms at licensed childcare providers and Head Start programs.
Althea D. Ford, Vice President of Government Affairs at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), emphasized the need for strategic investment in early childhood education. “State and federal investment must not only expand access for working families, but also support licensed childcare providers who offer critical services beyond what public schools can provide,” she said.
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