Photo: Getty Images
The effort continues to expand free pre-kindergarten and full-day kindergarten programs across New Jersey. Over the past seven years, the number of school districts offering full-day pre-kindergarten has increased by 350 percent. Despite this growth, Governor Phil Murphy acknowledges that more work is needed to ensure all districts provide these educational opportunities.
During a visit to Maurice Hawk Elementary School in West Windsor, Governor Murphy emphasized his commitment to making free, high-quality preschool and kindergarten accessible to all children in New Jersey. He highlighted the importance of early childhood education in providing a strong start for young learners and alleviating childcare costs for working families.
According to the Governor's Office, New Jersey has increased funding for public preschool by over $550 million, reaching $1.2 billion. This funding supports programs in 293 school districts, about half of the state's elementary-serving districts.
The Governor's proposal includes mandating free, full-day kindergarten in all 608 public and charter schools in New Jersey. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers and ensure that every child has access to a strong educational foundation.
Senator Teresa Ruiz, a supporter of the initiative, is sponsoring legislation to maintain universal pre-K programs and mandate full-day kindergarten. The proposal seeks to provide free preschool education for all three- and four-year-olds, with a sliding scale payment model for districts that cannot afford to offer it for free.
Governor Murphy's efforts to expand early childhood education are part of a broader strategy to make New Jersey more affordable and improve the quality of life for its residents. The initiatives are expected to have long-term benefits for the state's children and families.