Governor Murphy Announces $120 Million for Preschool Facilities, Brings High-Quality Pre-K to 16 More School Districts

Statement

As part of the Murphy Administration's ongoing efforts to provide universal access to high-quality, full-day preschool throughout the state, Governor Phil Murphy today announced the availability of $120 million in grants for preschool facility expansion and highlighted the funding 16 school districts recently received to establish or grow their preschool programming. Alongside Acting Commissioner of Education Angelica Allen-McMillan, Senator Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, and other officials at Brooks Crossing and Deans Elementary School, the Governor also announced an additional $2.6 million to assist 33 school districts with supplementary start-up funding.

Providing free early childhood education to every three and four-year-old in New Jersey remains an important goal of the Murphy Administration. Since Governor Murphy took office, high-quality preschool programs have been introduced to over 160 school districts, opening seats for more than 12,000 additional children.

"Expanding access to free, full-day preschool programs represents an investment in the future of New Jersey's children," said Governor Murphy. "More families are benefiting from our increased support for early childhood education every year. A quality preschool education provides students with the foundational skills they need to learn and succeed as they advance through life, which is why we must -- and will -- continue to work towards universal pre-K throughout New Jersey."

Source