By: Richard L. Smith
Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) have announced that 18 school districts will receive nearly $20 million in preschool expansion funds for the 2024-2025 school year.
The funds, part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, are aimed at establishing or expanding access to high-quality preschool programs, benefiting over 1,200 additional children across the state.
According to the New Jersey Department of Education, state-funded, high-quality preschool programs are now available in 293 districts statewide, with 229 of these programs initiated during Governor Murphy's administration.
The goal of these programs is to provide young learners with a strong educational foundation.
“Our investment in early childhood education ensures that our youngest students are set up for future success,” Governor Murphy stated. “With today’s announcement, we’re continuing to expand early childhood education in more communities, with the long-term vision of ensuring that every 3- and 4-year-old in New Jersey has access to a high-quality preschool program.”
Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer added, “The expansion of preschool programs in New Jersey has been remarkable. Thanks to Governor Murphy’s support, we are now providing nearly 77,000 children with access to state-funded preschool programs every year. This is a transformative step in shaping the futures of so many young lives.”
The districts selected for funding demonstrated their ability to provide high-quality preschool programs, defined by the NJDOE as full-day programs led by certified teachers, featuring small class sizes and curriculum aligned with New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards.
The programs are also inclusive of children with special needs. The awarded districts are expected to begin offering the expanded or new preschool programs by winter.
The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget allocated $20 million to support these initiatives, continuing the state's commitment to expanding early childhood education.