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Before Covid-19, the budget proposed by Governor Murphy included funding for NJ's pre-k for nearly 180 school districts - with funding for new pre-k expansion in about 30 new ones.

In June, the Governor and Legislature funded new spaces for 3- and 4-year-olds in school districts with pre-approved plans to expand existing state-funded pre-k through September 30. Now, Governor Murphy's proposed budget would provide funding for these spaces through June 2021 - and for new expansion districts!

NJ's pre-k remains a priority and is in nearly 150 school districts. Remember: that's up from 35 districts only a few years ago. Remember also: thousands of 3- and 4-year-olds are waiting across more than 125 additional, eligible school districts.

For them - and their working families, let's set a post-Covid-19 goal: fund pre-k expansion in more than 200 districts for the 2021-2022 school year.

Let's keep the momentum for pre-k expansion!
 

New Jersey's pre-k remains a priority in these difficult times!
 

New Jersey's pre-k remains a priority in these difficult times!
 

Thanks to Governor Murphy and the Legislature, New Jersey has made real progress towards fulfilling the promise of a 2008 law: to provide high-quality, state-funded, full-day pre-k programs across our state - NJ's pre-k.

In four years, there has been statewide, bipartisan support for funding pre-k expansion. NJ's pre-k is now in 150+ school districts, with more beginning classes in early 2021! Despite this remarkable record of achievement, there are 110+ eligible school districts - and their communities - that still wait. Let's reach a total of 200+ districts with NJ's pre-k: fund substantial pre-k expansion THIS YEAR! 

There are eligible districts in every county. They're in rural, suburban and urban communities, and they''re located across New Jersey, from east to west - and north to south. You either live in an eligible community or you live near at least one. There are 3- and 4-year-olds still waiting for NJ's pre-k in every one of these 110+ communities.

"Quality early education delivers a 13% per year return on investment through better education, health, social and economic outcomes in addition to the reduced need for social spending," says Nobel Laureate James Heckman. When signing the current state budget, Governor Murphy said "A budget is a not a document for today alone. This budget is a statement of the values that will guide us along the path of restart and recovery."

New Jersey has made real progress toward fulfilling the values shared - and the promise stated - in a 2008 law for pre-k expansion. Let's continue the investment to expand pre-k opportunities statewide. Substantial funding for NJ's pre-k in 2021 will provide a strong head start to a lifetime of learning for more of our children - and immediate support for their working families. They're waiting in 110+ communities..

Fund substantial pre-k expansion THIS YEAR!