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Bill > S4244


NJ S4244

NJ S4244
Requires school districts receiving preschool education aid to establish mixed delivery system for preschool education.


summary

Introduced
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires school districts that are in receipt of preschool education aid to establish and utilize a mixed delivery system for the provision of free preschool opportunities. The bill defines a mixed delivery system as a partnership between a school district and licensed child care providers and Head Start programs in the same community or neighboring communities, which is formed for the purpose of providing free preschool opportunities. Additionally, the bill requires a school district that is in receipt of preschool education aid to provide preschool education in a manner that: (1) to the greatest extent feasible, maximizes the number of free preschool opportunities provided through licensed child care providers and Head Start programs in the community or neighboring communities that are willing and able to meet all preschool program requirements; and (2) does not selectively assign a preschool pupil to either a district program, licensed child care provider program, or Head Start program based on age or any other characteristic or factor that affects the cost of educating the pupil. Finally, the bill provides that it is to be the responsibility of the Department of Education to ensure that school districts are in compliance with the mixed delivery system requirements set forth in the bill. The department is also required to provide guidance and technical assistance to school districts, licensed child care providers, and Head Start programs in the implementation of a mixed delivery system of preschool education.

AI Summary

This bill requires school districts receiving preschool education aid to establish and utilize a mixed delivery system for providing free preschool opportunities, which means creating a partnership with licensed child care providers and Head Start programs in their community or neighboring communities. Under this system, districts must prioritize maximizing the number of free preschool opportunities through these community providers, while ensuring that preschool pupils are not selectively assigned to district, provider, or Head Start programs based on age or any characteristic that affects the cost of educating the pupil. The bill mandates that the Department of Education will be responsible for ensuring districts comply with these mixed delivery system requirements and will provide guidance and technical assistance to school districts, child care providers, and Head Start programs during implementation. This approach aims to create more flexible and comprehensive preschool education options by leveraging existing community resources and preventing discriminatory placement practices. The requirements will apply starting with the first full school year after the bill's enactment, and will build upon existing provisions for preschool education aid in New Jersey.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 03/03/2025)

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