$970K In State Aid Will Power Free Preschool Program In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair 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.

Montclair’s share will come to $970,555. 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 Nutley, which will get $1.23 million, 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.”

Montclair School Superintendent Jonathan Ponds recently alluded to the state funding for pre-K in a recent letter to the community. Read More: 4 Quick Updates As New School Year Begins In Montclair

Ponds wrote:

“A wonderful opportunity is before us. We have applied for New Jersey’s Department of Education (NJDOE) preschool expansion aid. If we receive this grant funding, we will be on our way to FREE, universal PreK in the Montclair Public Schools in conjunction with community partners. Our team worked hard on applying for this aid even while on summer vacation, and the announcement about grant awards should arrive in the first two weeks of September. We are not letting a moment go to waste and are preparing for six, free, inclusive and full-day preschool classrooms for three- and four-year-olds beginning October 3. Four of these classrooms will be housed in the district (two at the DLC, two at Nishuane), one at the Montclair Community PreK, and one at the YMCA, Geyer St. facility. We are hopeful that our district will be awarded funding and will begin anticipatory outreach for registration which will be done by lottery.”

For more information or to learn how to apply, visit the district’s PreK webpage.

Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, who also serves as president of the New Jersey Education Association, cheered Thursday's announcement, saying that he was "thrilled" with the news.

"This funding is a culmination of hard work by advocates, and represents a commitment from the Murphy administration to invest in our next generation," Spiller said. "Providing early childhood education is one of the most meaningful steps we can take to ensure the very best start for our youngest learners."

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