$527K For This So. Ocean Co. District To Expand Preschool Access

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Twenty-seven school districts, including one in Southern Ocean County, around New Jersey will receive $26 million to expand access to preschools. The state funding comes as experts say New Jersey lacks enough access to quality, affordable child care — an issue the pandemic worsened.

The Eagleswood Township School District received $527,448 to expand preschool access.

The funds will ensure 2,150 additional 3- and 4-year-old children will have access to a preschool classroom for this school year, according to Gov. Phil Murphy's administration. New Jersey will then have nearly 70,000 preschool seats, officials said Thursday.

Many New Jersey residents live in child care deserts — areas without enough access to affordable, quality childcare — according to childcaredeserts.org's map. The funding, which is part of New Jersey's current state budget, aids 27 school districts. Schools receiving funding will begin their programs in October, according to state officials.

Between 2019 and 2020, the nation's enrollment rate of 3- and 4-year-olds in preschool decreased by 13 percent, leaving only 40 percent enrolled, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Although 2020 marked a year in which more families stayed at home together, the pandemic has left an already strained and underfunded industry in an even-worse state, according to United Way of Northern New Jersey.

In July, the New Jersey Department of Education broadened the number of districts that could apply for Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA). Previously, only districts with 20 percent of students coming from lower-income families — defined as being eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch. The state reduced the threshold to 10 percent of students who meet income-eligibility standards.

The Fiscal Year 2023 budget appropriated $40 million for grants to districts expanding their preschool programs or creating new programs. Districts that received grants demonstrated to the state that they can provide to enrolled students a "high-quality" preschool program — defined by a full-day program with a certificated teacher, an aide and small classes that are inclusive of children with special needs who have an individualized education program.

State officials will distribute the rest of the funds on a later date.

This article contains additional reporting by Josh Bakan.