The New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act aims to improve access to high-quality preschool education, particularly for economically disadvantaged children and multilingual learners, by mandating that all school districts provide free full-day preschool for at-risk pupils. The bill establishes a Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee within the Department of Education (DOE) to oversee the implementation of these initiatives, including recommending funding methodologies and evaluating pilot programs. Key provisions include the introduction of new definitions such as "full-day preschool" and "preschool expansion grant," as well as a revised formula for calculating preschool education aid based on projected full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment rather than District Factor Groups.

Additionally, the legislation outlines requirements for school districts to apply for preschool expansion grants, emphasizing collaboration with licensed child care providers and Head Start programs. It mandates annual program plans and participation in a self-assessment system for continuous quality improvement. The bill also establishes a three-year pilot program for districts receiving preschool education aid for the first time in the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, or 2027-2028 school years, which includes a cost-sharing methodology between the state and the districts. Furthermore, it requires all elementary-serving school districts to implement full-day kindergarten programs by the 2029-2030 school year, ensuring that attendance remains free.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7F-38, 18A:7F-45, 18A:7F-54, 18A:7G-8