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Bill > S2229
NJ S2229
NJ S2229Requires school district to provide majority of preschool pupil placements at licensed child care provider programs.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires a school district receiving preschool education aid through the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008" (C.18A:7F-43 et al.) to provide no less than 50 percent of preschool pupil placements at licensed child care provider programs. The remaining preschool pupil placements will be provided in district programs and Head Start programs. The bill permits, upon application, a school district to be granted a waiver by the Department of Education of the bill's requirements if sufficient preschool pupil placements are not available at licensed child care provider programs within the school district. A school district that requests a waiver is required to provide such information as the Department of Education specifies to justify the request.
AI Summary
This bill requires any school district in New Jersey that receives state funding for preschool education, specifically through the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008," to ensure that at least half of its preschool student slots are filled by children attending licensed child care provider programs, which are facilities licensed by the state to care for children. The remaining preschool slots can be filled by programs run by the school district itself or by Head Start programs, which are federally funded early childhood education programs for low-income families. However, if a school district cannot find enough available spots in licensed child care programs within its boundaries, it can apply to the New Jersey Department of Education for an exemption, or waiver, from this requirement, provided it submits specific information to justify why it cannot meet the 50 percent mandate. This new rule will become effective at the start of the first full school year after the bill is officially passed into law.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2229 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2229_I1.HTM |
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