PRE-K OUR WAY CO-HOSTS LOCAL MEETING WITH MONMOUTH COUNTY DIRECTOR'S GROUP ON EXPANDING PRESCHOOL ACCESS IN MONMOUTH COUNT

RED BANK, N.J. -- Pre-K Our Way, a nonprofit, statewide effort that helps New Jersey’s communities bring high-quality pre-k to their children, co-hosted a community meeting this week with the Monmouth County Director’s Group.

The meeting provided an opportunity for pre-k providers and program directors to learn about how they can use Pre-K Our Way to expand preschool access for 3- and 4- year olds to more communities throughout the state, and learn of ways to get involved in the community-led movement.

Although New Jersey has one of the most successful and high-quality public preschool programs in the country, fewer than 40 communities have access to one of these programs. Pre-K Our Way believes that where a child lives shouldn’t determine whether or not they have access to pre-k. An expansion of preschool under New Jersey law could bring high-quality, public programs to six Monmouth County communities including: Belmar, Bradley Beach, Freehold, Highlands Elementary, Keyport, and Neptune City.

“Our goal at Pre-K Our Way is to make expansion of New Jersey’s high quality preschool program a priority for New Jersey lawmakers,” said Sam Crane of Pre-K Our Way. “Access to a pre-k program shouldn’t depend on a child’s zip code. Our state’s existing high-quality preschool program is built to adapt to each community, its children and their needs. Pre-K Our Way is meeting with organizations such as the Monmouth County Director’s Group to make an expansion of this program a priority for New Jersey communities.”

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Pre-K Our Way, a nonpartisan and nonprofit community-based organization, coordinated through a diverse group of business leaders, parents, foundations, early childhood educators, community leaders interested citizens and elected officials, engages communities on expanding NJ’s existing high-quality public preschool for their children. Visit our website at www.prekourway.org for more information.