Preschool Grants Available for Non-Abbott Districts

Preschool Grants Available for
Non-Abbott Districts

Preschool providers and schools in New Jersey can apply for new state grants for economically disadvantaged children who live in non-Abbott school districts. The Preschool Quality Enhancement Awards (PQEA) program has approximately $8.5 million in the current budget to improve early childhood education.

To qualify for funding, applicants must:

Currently provide full-day and full-year preschool services in non-Abbott districts for 3- and 4-year-old children;
Must demonstrate that at least 75 percent of the children served are at or below the poverty level;
Be licensed by the state Department of Human Services if a private provider or a Head Start program;
Have three or more preschool classrooms. Sites with fewer classrooms may apply, but must collaborate with another provider or school district.

The funds can be used for purposes such as supporting certification efforts for classroom teachers and teacher assistants; selecting and implementing appropriate research-based curriculum and assessment; and enhancing teacher professional development.

Grant recipients will receive $3,000 per low-income child enrolled in their existing programs. The grant year will run from Feb. 1, 2008 to Jan. 31, 2009.

The deadline for applicants seeking PQEA funds is Dec. 4. More information and application instructions are available by selecting the “Currently Available Grant Opportunities” link from the state Department of Education's online grant resources page.