Is Pre-K Coming Your Way?
Pre-k expansion is a statewide priority in New Jersey. Both the governor and NJ’s legislative leadership are committed to pre-k expansion. Governor Murphy has been clear about his support for full expansion (and universal pre-k) within four-years as stated in his March 2018 Budget Address. While visiting a new pre-k expansion district in early 2019, Governor Murphy made it personal, “I am committed to continuing pre-k expansion” in our state.
Thanks to Governor Murphy and the Legislature, more communities have state-funded, full-day pre-k for some or all 3- and 4-year-olds. However, there should be hundreds more communities – and tens of thousands more children – with access to NJ’s full-day, state-funded pre-k for every 3- and 4-year-old in the community.
Shortly after Labor Day 2019, NJDOE will announce awards for pre-k expansion funding for additional school districts for classes to start not later than early October 2019. Remember: even after three years of success in making pre-k expansion a statewide priority in New Jersey’s budget funding, there’s lots more to do! Hundreds of communities and tens of thousands of 3- and 4-year-olds – and their families – remain waiting for state-funded, full-day pre-k.