As local educational agencies begin considering applying for preschool education aid for the 2023- 2024 school year, the Division of Early Childhood Services is providing guidance for planning and completing the Notice of Funding Opportunity that will be released after the fiscal year 2024 state budget is adopted.

LEAs can reference the 2022-2023 PEA Application as a guide in advance of the official application release for the upcoming year. LEAs should be aware that this is not a grant; preschool education aid becomes part of each LEA’s state aid notice.

In an advisory, the Division of Early Childhood Services recommends beginning the planning process now.

The advisory includes information on program information, including eligibility requirements; project guidelines; guidance on completing the application; award selection and more. Refer to the full advisory for complete and detailed information.

The deadline to complete the Notice of Funding Opportunity will be determined after the adoption of the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget.

For questions and additional guidance regarding the submission process, contact the New Jersey Department of Education via email. For more detailed information on expectations for each section, LEAs should reference the 2022-2023 PEA Application as a guide.