$42 Million to Fund Preschool Facilities Projects Across New Jersey

Trenton, NJ – In a bold stride toward educational equity and early childhood development, Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer today announced the allocation of over $42 million in federal grant funding to build and expand preschool facilities in 22 school districts across New Jersey. This significant investment is part of the Murphy Administration's ambitious goal to provide universal high-quality preschool to families throughout the state.

“High-quality preschool can positively impact the trajectory of a child’s life, which is why we have made it our mission to expand access to these critical programs,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “During our administration, we’ve seen remarkable success in bringing high-quality, state-funded preschool to hundreds of New Jersey communities. These grant awards to support preschool construction and expansion projects represent an investment in our children’s futures and will help bring us closer to our goal of realizing universal preschool in New Jersey.

The $42 million funding marks the second round of the Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grant, drawing from a total of $120 million allocated through the federal American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund in the Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget. The first round provided over $74 million for preschool facilities, including nearly $52 million announced in November 2023, along with additional projects approved after that announcement.

This strategic investment underscores the state's dedication to early childhood education as a cornerstone for lifelong learning and success. By expanding and enhancing preschool facilities, New Jersey aims to create more inclusive, accessible, and high-quality learning environments for its youngest learners.

The facilities' funding is a critical component of New Jersey's multi-faceted approach to delivering universal preschool. The state is leveraging a blend of district-provided preschool programs alongside classrooms contracted with licensed childcare providers and Head Start programs. This collaborative model ensures that a diverse range of educational settings contribute to the universal preschool initiative, maximizing reach and impact.

Awards were determined based on four key priorities, ensuring that funds are directed where they can make the most significant difference:

1. Expansion of Available Preschool Seats by At Least 10%: Proposals were ranked by the percentage increase in seats, emphasizing substantial capacity growth.
2. Enhancement of Preschool Facilities: Projects that increase the capacity of existing classrooms or involve constructing or rehabilitating restrooms received priority.
3. Transition from Half-Day to Full-Day Programs: Initiatives expanding programs to full-day offerings were given significant consideration.
4. Expansion of Classroom Capacity for New Programs: Proposals guaranteeing additional seats by housing new preschool programs were also prioritized.

Impact Across the State

The second round of funding distributes $42,107,979 to various counties, with an estimated total project cost of $87,822,193. This investment is set to create 1,493 additional preschool seats, addressing the needs of families and communities throughout New Jersey.

Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grant funding, Second Round:

County                      District                          School                     Project Cost        State Share           Seats

* Renovations to restroom facilities only; no additional seats.
** Number of seats added is inclusive of all three projects in the Township of Ocean School District.

These grants will facilitate a range of projects, including the construction of new classrooms, renovation of existing facilities, and the addition of essential amenities like restrooms to meet the needs of young learners. By improving the physical infrastructure, schools can provide safer, more engaging environments conducive to early childhood education.

Tax Burden on Residents

Importantly, the Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grant and other state-funded local aid programs enable municipalities to undertake these significant projects without heavily relying on local property taxes. This approach eases the financial burden on residents while ensuring that communities have the resources necessary to support their youngest members.

“Families and educators in many school districts have been eager to establish new, high-quality preschool programs in their community,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “However, we’ve also heard from many school leaders that the biggest obstacle they face has been the lack of adequate facilities needed to house those programs. This initiative marks a significant step towards universal access to high-quality preschool as it makes funding widely available to help school districts build, expand, or renovate school facilities specifically for preschool students.”

By focusing on early education, New Jersey is investing not only in individual students but also in the broader social and economic health of the state. High-quality preschool programs have been shown to improve academic outcomes, reduce achievement gaps, and promote lifelong success.

The success of the Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grant program is a result of collaboration between state agencies, school districts, and community stakeholders. By aligning goals and resources, New Jersey continues to make strides toward educational equity and excellence.

Looking Ahead

With this second round of funding, the state moves closer to its vision of universal high-quality preschool. The added seats and improved facilities will help accommodate more children, providing them with a strong foundation for future learning.

As New Jersey continues to prioritize education, families can look forward to more opportunities, better resources, and the assurance that their children are receiving the best possible start in life.

Governor Murphy's announcement of the $42 million investment reaffirms New Jersey's commitment to education and the well-being of its youngest residents. As these projects come to fruition, communities across the state will witness the tangible benefits of this funding—through new classrooms, enhanced facilities, and expanded opportunities for children to learn and grow.

By focusing on early education, New Jersey sets the stage for a brighter future, nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.

For more information on the Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grant and updates on the funded projects, visit the New Jersey Department of Education website.

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