Bill > A5717

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for expanding and improving preschool and kindergarten education in New Jersey. The legislation creates a Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee to develop a statewide funding methodology for preschool, with a goal of implementing universal preschool by the 2028-2029 school year. The bill mandates that all school districts provide full-day kindergarten by the 2029-2030 school year and introduces a preschool expansion grant program to help districts develop high-quality preschool programs. It emphasizes a "mixed delivery model" that encourages partnerships between school districts, licensed child care providers, and Head Start programs. The bill requires districts receiving preschool education aid to demonstrate efforts to partner with local child care providers, submit annual program implementation plans, and participate in continuous quality improvement assessments. Additionally, the legislation aims to strengthen the preschool workforce by developing guidance for higher education institutions to create more accessible pathways for early childhood education credentials. The bill recognizes the significant educational and economic benefits of high-quality early childhood education, particularly for economically disadvantaged children and multilingual learners, and seeks to expand access to these critical educational opportunities across New Jersey.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5717