By: Richard L. Smith
Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced the allocation of $33 million in federal grants to enhance preschool facilities across New Jersey.
This funding, derived from the American Rescue Plan Act, underscores the state's commitment to universal access to high-quality preschool education.
Newark is set to receive $200,000 of this grant to support local preschool facilities projects.
This initiative, which forms part of the Murphy Administration’s broader campaign to make New Jersey the prime state for raising a family and educating children, focuses on building, expanding, and renovating preschool facilities.
"High-quality preschool is an investment that benefits children not just in their early years but throughout their educational journey," stated Governor Murphy.
Acting Education Commissioner Dehmer highlighted the challenges many communities face in securing adequate facilities for preschool programs.
This funding aims to address those challenges, moving New Jersey closer to achieving universal preschool availability for all children.
The $33 million announced today is part of the second round of Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grants. Since March 2023, $86.9 million has been allocated to various projects, creating over 3,500 new preschool seats in 27 school districts.
These improvements are part of a mixed-delivery approach that includes enhancing facilities in regular operating districts and boosting capacities for districts, licensed childcare providers, and Head Start programs.
Applications for this round of funding are open from May 1 to June 3, 2024, through the NJDOE Homeroom portal.
The projects approved under this initiative must be completed by August 31, 2026, ensuring a structured timeline for enhancing preschool infrastructure and capacity.