This bill mandates that school districts in New Jersey establish preschool programs for resident children aged three and four by the beginning of the 2029-2030 school year. Districts that do not currently offer such programs must submit a plan for implementation to the Commissioner of Education by June 30, 2027. The bill allows districts to meet this requirement by forming a sending-receiving relationship with an adjacent district that has an established preschool program. The preschool programs must be free, full-day, and adhere to high-quality standards as defined by the commissioner, and they can be operated directly by the district or in partnership with licensed child care providers or Head Start programs.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to expand the age range for free public education from five years old to include children aged three, thereby ensuring that all children from three to twenty years old can access free public schooling. This change aims to enhance early childhood education access and support for families in New Jersey.