Bill
Bill > S2868
NJ S2868
NJ S2868Requires school districts receiving preschool education aid to establish mixed delivery system for preschool education.
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 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 that receive state funding for preschool education to establish and use a "mixed delivery system" for providing free preschool programs. A mixed delivery system means the school district will partner with licensed child care providers and Head Start programs in its own or nearby communities to offer these free preschool opportunities. The bill also mandates that districts prioritize using these licensed child care providers and Head Start programs as much as possible, as long as they meet all program requirements. Furthermore, districts cannot assign preschool students to a specific program (district-run, licensed child care, or Head Start) based on factors like age that could affect the cost of educating the child. The Department of Education will be responsible for making sure districts follow these rules and will offer guidance and support to help them implement this mixed delivery system.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2868 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2868_I1.HTM |
Loading...