$20 Million Boost for New Jersey Preschools

Expanding Access to High-Quality Early Education in 18 School Districts Across the State

Governor Phil Murphy, alongside Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education Kevin Dehmer, has unveiled a significant financial commitment to the state’s youngest learners. An infusion of nearly $20 million will be directed towards 18 school districts as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to enhance and broaden access to high-quality preschool programs during the 2024-2025 school year.

“Our investment in early childhood provides the youngest learners with a solid foundation for success,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Today’s announcement builds on my ongoing commitment to expand early childhood education to more communities, with the long-term goal of ensuring every 3- and 4-year-old in the State has access to a high-quality preschool program."

This funding boost is part of New Jersey’s continued efforts to increase early childhood education opportunities, with the Murphy Administration establishing 229 of the current 293 state-funded preschool programs. The $20 million allocation will enable over 1,200 additional children to engage in educational environments that meet the rigorous New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. These programs are characterized by full-day schedules, certified teachers, dedicated aides, and small, inclusive classes that cater to children with special needs.

The awarded districts, selected for their capability to deliver superior preschool services, are poised to initiate these programs by the upcoming winter. The expansion encompasses both enhancements to existing programs and the launch of new services, ensuring a broad-reaching impact across the state.

“The rapid expansion of preschool programs throughout New Jersey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “Governor Murphy’s continued support means that, with the addition of the programs that are being announced today, we are now providing nearly 77,000 children in New Jersey with a state funded high-quality preschool program, each and every year. That’s a huge number of young lives whose futures will be broadened by our state’s efforts.”

Here is a breakdown of the funding distribution among the recipient districts:

• Bergen County: East Rutherford and Lodi receive significant funding, with Lodi marked to receive over $1.4 million.
• Burlington County: Notable allocations include $3.2 million to Evesham and over $1 million to Bordentown.
• Camden County: Berlin Borough is set to receive $1.66 million.
• Gloucester County: East Greenwich will benefit from $847,336.
• Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties: Receive allocations for Middlesex Borough, Upper Freehold Regional, and Point Pleasant Borough, respectively.
• Sussex County: The largest single award goes to Vernon at $2.8 million, with other districts like Sandyston-Walpack and Lopatcong also receiving substantial funds.

Governor Murphy's administration emphasizes that these investments are pivotal not just in fostering educational achievement but in laying a foundational stone for New Jersey’s future. By prioritizing early education, the state aims to ensure that all children, regardless of their district, have access to the tools and learning environments they need to succeed from the very start of their educational journey.