BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
New Jersey is ushering in a new era for early childhood education. In a move celebrated by parents, educators, and advocates alike, Governor Phil Murphy signed three pivotal bills into law on July 9, advancing the state toward a future where every child has access to free, high-quality preschool and full-day kindergarten.
“We are no longer waiting to close opportunity gaps – we are preventing them from the start,” said Senator Shirley Turner, capturing the bold spirit of the legislation.
At the heart of this initiative is Bill S3910/A5717, which solidifies New Jersey’s preschool funding formula into law. This means a more dependable stream of financial support for districts aiming to expand preschool access. Under the new law, the state Department of Education will provide annual grants to help districts launch or grow programs for three- and four-year-old children, especially in areas that previously lacked preschool offerings.
The bill also revamps how preschool aid is calculated, replacing outdated “district factor groups” with projections based on full-time enrollment for the upcoming school year. This modernized approach is designed to ensure that funding is better aligned with actual student needs.
“A child’s earliest years are when curiosity blooms and the foundation for lifelong learning is built,” said Senator Teresa Ruiz, another champion of the bill. “But today, with child care costs soaring to the level of college tuition, too many families are being forced to choose between their child’s potential and their household budget.”
Governor Murphy, who has long prioritized early education, emphasized the progress made under his administration: funding for public preschool has increased by nearly 600 million dollars over the past seven years, with more than 1.2 billion dollars currently supporting programs across the state. Since he took office, 229 districts have joined New Jersey’s state-funded preschool system. Today, over half of the state’s elementary-serving school districts offer free, high-quality preschool.
A pathway to free, full-day kindergarten by 2030
Equally significant is the bill’s commitment to expanding access to free, full-day kindergarten statewide by the 2029-2030 academic year. Districts that do not currently offer full-day programs will be required to implement them or partner with a neighboring district.
“With today’s bill signing, we are moving forward in making free, universal preschool and free, full-day kindergarten a reality in every corner of our state,” Murphy said.
Cost projections and future planning
While the legislation lays a strong foundation, state analysts acknowledge that implementation will require ongoing planning and resources. A fiscal report from the Office of Legislative Services notes potential marginal cost increases, especially for districts building new programs or facilities. However, the bill’s provisions largely align with existing appropriations practices, suggesting that many costs will be incremental rather than sudden.
Importantly, the bill gives districts flexibility to exceed the standard two percent tax levy cap to fund preschool programs, but only up to the actual cost of implementation. This ensures accountability while allowing communities to grow their programs sustainably.
Complementary legislation rounds out the reform package
Two additional bills signed alongside the main legislation will streamline preschool service contracts and align budget language with the new funding formula. One allows boards of education to award certain preschool education service contracts by resolution and extends their maximum duration to three years. The other revises Fiscal Year 2026 budget language to reflect the changes in preschool aid distribution.
Together, these laws mark a hopeful turning point for New Jersey families. By investing early, the state is not only improving education outcomes, but also easing the burden on working parents and building a more equitable future for the next generation.
As Ruiz put it: “This legislation recognizes that early learning isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.”
