Lawrence, Robbinsville to get state pre-K funding

Governor Phil Murphy announced additional funding for preschool education aid that will allow Lawrence Township and Robbinsville to establish or expand highquality preschool programs. Lawrence Township is projected to receive $923,486 in funding, while Robbinsville will receive $2,661,014.

The funding is part of a second round for Fiscal Year 2024 that will provide 827 additional preschool seats across 16 school districts in New Jersey. It builds on a $25 million investment announced last October that added 1,715 preschool seats in 26 districts.

Murphy was joined by Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer at Millridge School in Secaucus to highlight the preschool expansion. The visit coincides with the administration’s goal of universal preschool access for three- and four-year-olds statewide.

“Access to early childhood education helps set the tone for the rest of a child’s educational career by providing innumerable benefits that will follow young learners throughout their lives,” said Murphy in a press release. “From advanced literacy skills to enhanced social and emotional development, access to highquality preschool programs has a tangible impact on our children. That is why I am proud to announce continued investments to expand access to preschool for families across the State. Today’s announcement builds upon our work to make universal preschool a reality in New Jersey so that more children have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.”

High-quality preschools offer full-day programs with certified teachers, aides, limited class sizes, aligned curriculum, and inclusion of special needs children.

“We know that highquality preschool sets the foundation for a child’s success and is linked to improved student outcomes for years to come,” said Dehmer. “That’s why bringing high-quality preschool to more communities can be so transformative, and one that is well worth our investment.”

The preschool funding is part of Murphy’s plan to achieve universal access. His FY2025 budget proposes an additional $124 million, including $20 million to expand programs into new districts. Since 2018, Murphy has increased preschool funding by over $427 million and added more than 14,600 seats.