Nearly 20 School Districts Receive New Pre-K Funding

Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced $17 million in new state funding for 19 school districts to either expand or create high-quality pre-K programs this school year.

During the Murphy administration, some 140 school districts have received funding to either start or expand their preschool programs, opening more than 9,000 new pre-K seats to date.

Universal Pre-K for All   The governor also announced that the state would commit to providing universal pre-K to all New Jersey families over the next several years.  The New Jersey Department of Education will develop a strategic plan that will set a roadmap to expand pre-K throughout the Garden State. The plan will focus on:

• Prioritizing districts and setting a timeline for expansion
• Ensuring students have appropriate facilities and quality programming
• Involving childcare providers and Head Start in planning to avoid displacing existing high-quality early learning centers
• Optimizing funding streams, including federal funds from the federal Build Back Better Plan
• Using best practices from other states that offer expanded/universal pre-K programs

“High-quality pre-K has been shown to have a dramatic effect on a child’s life,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod. “NJSBA welcomes the news that more children will have access to these programs.”

The latest round of school districts that will receive the new funding include: