The Murphy administration announced Oct. 16 awarding nearly $20 million to 18 New Jersey school districts to establish or expand access to high-quality preschool programs.

The funding comes via the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. According to estimates, it will provide more than 1,200 children the opportunity to attend a high-quality preschool program. Under that definition, the full-day program must feature:

• A certified teacher;
• An aide;
• A curriculum aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards; and
• Small classes that are inclusive of children with special needs who have an individualized education plan.

Officials say the awardees have demonstrated that they can provide high-quality preschool programs to students. The Murphy administration said these state-funded, high-quality programs now exist in 293 school districts – including 229 established while in office.

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

Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer described the rapid expansion of preschool programs throughout the state as nothing short of extraordinary.

“Gov. 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,” said Dehmer. “That’s a huge number of young lives whose futures will be broadened by our state’s efforts.”

The full list of school districts receiving awards is available here.