Pre-K For All New Jersey Children by 2010

All New Jersey 4-year-olds should have access to high-quality preschool by 2010. 

High quality means small classes, certified teachers, a teacher’s assistant and recognized curriculum. Children in low-income families would have free access to these programs. Children in middle- and upper-income families could be charged based on ability to pay.

School districts would voluntarily participate in the program. They would apply for grants through the New Jersey Department of Education. Districts would be encouraged to work with existing community child care centers and preschools, including Head Start programs, to maximize the use of existing classrooms and resources.

Pre-K Expansion Plan

·         Available to all 4- year old children

·         Collaborate with community and Head Start programs

·         State certified teacher and an assistant for every class

·         Full day classes

·         Small class size

·         Funded through state, local and parent co-pays

Background

New Jersey currently funds preschools in 132 low-income cities and towns. The rest of New Jersey’s nearly 600 school districts receive little or no state funding for these essential early learning programs. In 2004, New Jersey created the Early Launch to Learning Initiative (ELLI). This was the first step toward filling that gap, by helping middle-class, suburban towns provide or expand high-quality preschool programs.

All districts were eligible to compete for a pilot. In 2004, 27 districts began providing preschool through this new program, serving 980 children.

ACNJ’s preschool expansion plan envisions the ELLI program being expanded to all school districts in New Jersey, fulfilling the promise of pre-k for all by 2010.