New Jersey Deploys $33 Million in Federal Funds for Preschool Facilities Expansion

The initiative, announced by Governor Murphy, targets enhancements in preschool access statewide.

NEW JERSEY – Governor Phil Murphy, alongside Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer, announced today the allocation of $33 million in federal grant funding aimed at expanding preschool facilities across New Jersey. This funding is part of the state's broader initiative to achieve universal preschool access through infrastructure enhancements and an increase in available preschool seats.

This grant, derived from the second round of Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grants, follows an initial $86.9 million allocated to preschool facility projects. These funds originate from a $120 million allotment made under the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund in the Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget. To date, the funding has facilitated the creation of over 3,500 preschool seats in 27 school districts.

Governor Murphy stated, “High-quality preschool is an investment that will help students for years to come, both in their formative years and throughout their academic career."

Acting Commissioner Dehmer highlighted the challenges of securing suitable facilities for preschool programs. “This first-of-its-kind funding for New Jersey school districts helps overcome those barriers and brings us one step closer to realizing our goal of universal preschool for all children," Acting Commissioner Dehmer remarked.

The state will prioritize grant proposals that aim to increase preschool seats by at least 10%, enhance facilities for increased capacity, and expand preschool program durations from half-day to full-day. Applications for the grants are open to Regular Operating Districts from May 1 to June 3, 2024, via the NJDOE Homeroom portal’s Electronic Web Enabled Grants system (EWEG). All projects must be completed by August 31, 2026.

This initiative is a key part of New Jersey’s strategy to increase the provision of high-quality preschool services across the state, supporting efforts by district schools, licensed childcare providers, and Head Start programs.