$1.2M In State Aid Will Power Preschool Program In Nutley

NUTLEY, NJ — The Nutley Public School District is one of 27 that will be getting a big chunk of state funding to create or expand access to “high-quality preschool programs” in the 2022-2023 school year, officials announced Thursday.

In all, more than $26 million of Preschool Expansion Aid – which was allocated in the latest state budget – will be made available to the 27 districts to benefit 3 and 4-year-old children, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

Nutley's share will come to $1,228,170. Districts receiving the funding will begin their programs in early October 2022, the governor’s office said.

Other school districts in Essex County that will receive funding are Montclair, which will get $970,555, and West Orange, which will get $1.89 million.

“We know that providing children with access to preschool programs creates short and long term educational and economic benefits for families,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.

“When we invest in preschool education, we also invest in our youth and in the future success of the State of New Jersey for decades to come,” Murphy said. “Today’s announcement is another step toward universal preschool and a brighter future for New Jersey’s youngest learners.”

According to the governor’s office:

“In July 2022, the NJDOE broadened the number of districts that could apply for PEA funding from those with 20 percent of students coming from lower-income families (defined by being eligible for free or reduced priced lunch) to districts with 10 percent of students who meet the income eligibility standards. Schools receiving today’s grant award demonstrated to DOE that they can provide a high-quality preschool program to enrolled students. A high-quality preschool program is 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. The FY2023 Budget appropriated $40 million to support grant awards to districts expanding existing preschool programs or districts creating new preschool programs. The remaining FY2023 PEA funding will be awarded at a later date.”

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