Governor Phil Murphy signed a legislative package on Wednesday aimed at expanding and improving access to early childhood education across New Jersey. The three bills establish long-term funding mechanisms, streamline preschool service delivery, and set a mandate for free, full-day kindergarten statewide by the 2029–2030 school year.
The legislation represents a significant step toward the state’s goal of providing universal access to high-quality preschool and kindergarten. Over the last seven years, New Jersey has added 229 districts to its roster of state-funded preschool programs and increased annual funding by nearly $600 million, with current spending at approximately $1.2 billion.
Codifying Preschool Funding and Universal Kindergarten
The first bill, S3910/A5717, codifies the state’s preschool funding formula into law. It outlines a comprehensive framework to sustain and expand access to free, high-quality preschool through a mix of public schools and private providers.
Key provisions of the bill include:
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Annual preschool expansion grants distributed by the Department of Education (DOE)
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A three-year cost-sharing pilot program to promote program growth
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A Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee made up of state agency and legislative representatives
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New reporting requirements mandating that the DOE, Department of Human Services (DHS), and Department of Children and Families (DCF) update and maintain centralized public information about preschool and childcare programs
The bill also establishes a requirement for every elementary-serving school district to implement free, full-day kindergarten by the 2029–2030 academic year. Districts that do not offer full-day programs may fulfill this obligation through formal agreements with neighboring districts.
Streamlining Preschool Provider Contracting
The second bill, S4476/A5780, allows boards of education to award contracts for certain preschool education services by resolution rather than a lengthy bidding process. It also extends the maximum contract term for preschool providers to three years. These changes are designed to reduce administrative delays, provide stability for childcare centers, and support long-term planning by school districts and private providers.
Aligning Funding Language with Preschool Expansion Goals
The third bill, A5908/S4695, amends the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act to align its language with the reforms enacted in S3910/A5717. This ensures consistency in how preschool education aid is allocated and reinforces the commitment to expanding access.
A Coordinated, Mixed-Delivery System
The legislation supports a “mixed-delivery” model of early childhood education, which integrates services provided by public schools, private childcare centers, and community-based organizations. This model is intended to increase flexibility and availability of preschool options while preserving local control.
By expanding contracts with nonpublic providers and streamlining oversight, the state aims to make high-quality early learning accessible to more families, particularly in underserved communities. State agencies are required to issue annual reports assessing the effectiveness of the mixed-delivery model and the overall status of preschool expansion.