Press Room
Pre-K Our Way is a nonpartisan community effort helping to bring quality preschool to local communities in New Jersey. Download the resources below to learn why preschool matters, learn more about the effort and who is involved, and scroll down to our In the News section to see representative press coverage for 2018 and previous years.
For press inquiries, please use the contact information included below.
WE’VE BEEN WAITING 10 YEARS…WE’RE READY FOR PRE-K!
"We’ve been waiting 10 years…We’re ready for pre-k! Please contact your legislators – for us!”
That's the message from NJ's 3- and 4-year-olds. Read more, and let your legislators know: Fund pre-k NOW!
April 9: GOV. MURPHY PRESS CONFERENCE IN JAMESBURG
Pamela Hernandez, Principal of John F Kennedy Elementary School and Kristy DeFazio, Early Childhood Supervisor for the Jamesburg Public Schools, welcome Governor Murphy and Acting Commissioner of Education Repollet to the April 9 governor’s press conference on NJ’s pre-k expansion at Jamesburg’s pre-k. Following are links to selected news coverage and the original press release from the Office of the Governor.
Research points to benefits of full-day preschool
Success of NJ's full-day, state-funded pre-k - featuring Vineland Public Schools - appears on recent TV news. New research sheds light on the long term impacts of Pre-K and whether a half or full-day offers more benefits. In Vermont all children get ten hours a week of taxpayer funded Pre-K. CBS' Nikki Battiste visited New Jersey, where the state pays for some toddlers to attend school full-time.
April 3, 2018 Press Release
Pre-K Our Way Senate budget and appropriations committee public hearing testimony.
State Senate Budget and Appropriations Hearing - April 3, 2018
Testimony delivered by Sam Crane
State Senate Budget and Appropriations Hearing - April 9, 2018
Testimony delivered by Sam Crane
GOV. MURPHY PROPOSES SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FOR PRE-K EXPANSION
Governor Murphy used his March 13 Budget Message to include $83 million for pre-k expansion in his first state budget. Although additional details will be available in the coming days, the $83 million proposed in the governor’s first budget provides $50 million in new funding for pre-k expansion for more communities. In addition, it continues funding for the pre-k expansion to 26 districts – approximately $32 million -- as provided by the legislative leadership for the 2017-2018 school year.
We're Ready for Pre-k!
The proposed pre-k expansion funding in Governor Murphy’s first budget provides a significant step in bringing New Jersey’s pre-k to thousands of our state’s 3- and 4-year-olds and to many more communities.
New Jersey Pediatrics, Spring 2018
"Pre-K Our Way: Investing in Their Future" from Sam Crane
Expand NJ's Pre-K
Through Pre-K Our Way’s strategic messaging, targeted communication and focused engagement efforts, pre-k expansion has become a statewide priority. Recognized as one of the top legislative priorities in the 2016-2017 legislative sessions, pre-k expansion was part of the 2017 primary and general elections at the local, legislative and gubernatorial levels in debates, candidate platforms and media interviews. Additionally, Pre-K Our Way led the discussion in late 2016 and throughout 2017 for pre-k expansion as an integral part of New Jersey’s school funding formula. Full funding of the school formula – and pre-k expansion – are stated top priorities for Governor Murphy and the new administration.
Pre-K Expansion Fall 2017
For the first time in nearly a decade, there are a few thousand more 3- and 4-year-olds with access to NJ’s high-quality, state-funded, full-day pre-k. October 2 was the first day of school for some, and others started later that month or in early November. Read links to some of the news stories from individual pre-k expansion communities!
About Pre-K Our Way
Learn more about what Pre-K Our Way is, who is involved and how you can join the effort.
Help Bring Pre-K Our Way
Expanding New Jersey’s pre-k program has become a bipartisan priority in New Jersey. Pre-K Our Way is your way to bring preschool to your children and your community.
Local Community Choice
Pre-K Our Way explains how each community can bring preschool to their community and make it theirs.
US is falling behind other nations in providing pre-K schooling
When it comes to early childhood education, the United States needs to step up. Many developed nations now have more than 90% enrollment in pre-K programs, surpassing the US with just 66% enrollment for 4-year-olds. Rising superpowers are making significant commitments to expand access to early education over the next few years, with China promising to have pre-K for every 4-year-old and most 3-year-olds by 2020.
NIEER: The state of preschool
The State of Preschool 2017 is the 15th edition of NIEER’s annual report tracking state-funded preschool access, resources, and quality. Since 2002, many states have made progress, a few have fallen behind, and a handful have emerged as leaders. As a result, disparities in access to high-quality state-funded preschool have grown over the intervening years.
NIEER: The state of preschool press release
A new state-by-state report shows more young children enrolled in public pre-K programs but a troubling lack of policies ensuring the quality classroom experiences they need to get ready for kindergarten.
Opinion: Investment in early childhood will yield dividends for New Jersey
The students in grades pre-k to second learned with slime, miniature catapults and by assembling battery-powered clocks during activities organized by the Forest Avenue Home and School Association on New Jersey Maker's Day, a celebration of "Maker Culture," held statewide March 24.
OP-ED: EXPAND NEW JERSEY’S PRE-K TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY
We urge state legislators to help our children develop in mind, body, and character so they can succeed in school and in life, including in the military for those who choose to serve
41% of N.J. households among the 'working poor' and it's getting worse. Is the state too expensive?
The number of New Jersey households struggling to make ends, but which do not qualify for federal poverty assistance, has reached 1.3 million and continues to rise, bucking the prevailing narrative of a state and national economy in recovery.
The Houston Chronicle recognizes the Abbott pre-k program as one of the best in the country.
The Houston Chronicle tells TX Gov. Abbott: “NJ has the gold standard in education for 3- and 4-year-olds...the Abbott program worth bragging about hails from New Jersey.”