Ten Districts Receive $10 Million to Expand High-Quality Preschool Education 

Gov. Phil Murphy on Dec. 21 announced that 10 additional school districts will receive preschool education aid totaling $10 million in the governor’s fiscal year 2021 budget to implement or expand quality early childhood education programs starting Feb. 1, 2021. 

This expansion will provide preschool education to an additional 818 students in the districts receiving awards. 

“In New Jersey, we know that quality early education paves the path toward success for our children,” said Murphy.  

“In concert with prevailing early childhood research, we recognize that providing our youngest learners with high-quality early education will have long-lasting benefits to the children served, their families, and the communities in which they reside,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, acting commissioner of education. 

Research has shown that quality preschool programming results in long-term benefits, ranging from improved academics throughout a child’s schooling to a greater likelihood of entering college after high school. Under the Murphy Administration, New Jersey has increased the number of state-funded high-quality preschool seats to nearly 65,000 students. Enrolled preschool students are provided with a full-day program with a certified teacher, an aide, and small classes inclusive of children with special needs who have an individualized education program. 

As in years past, school districts that were eligible to receive a preschool expansion award included those that had previously received partial state funding to address pockets of poverty or are based in communities that have at least 20 percent of their student population receiving free — or reduced-price lunch. 

 Preschool Expansion Districts, Fiscal Year 2021