State Funded Preschool Programs

The New Jersey School Funding Reform Act of 2008, P.L. 2007, c.260 mandates that all eligible *at risk three and four year old children be offered a high quality preschool program beginning at age three (*at risk means, children who are eligible for preschool programs as defined by age- and income eligibility pursuant to P.L. 2007, c. 260 section 12(a).) Intensive, high quality preschool programs can close much of the early achievement gap for lower income children.

State-funded preschool programs in each school district must include all of the major elements identified by the New Jersey Department of Education as essential for implementation of a high quality preschool program and found in chapter 13A, Elements of High Quality Preschool Programs located in New Jersey Administrative Code.

Eligibility for State Funded Preschool Programs: All age-eligible children, who are residents of School Districts with a concentration of at-risk children equal to or greater than 40 percent are entitled to preschool services, regardless of family income level.

Enrollment: The goal is to enroll at least 90percent of the universe of eligible three and four year old children residing in each school district by the 2013-2014 school year. School districts are encouraged to offer high quality preschool program within a mixed delivery system that includes in-district, private provider and local Head Start agencies.

The State Funded Preschool legal framework includes:

• Standards-based education driven by State Core Curriculum Standards and supported by per-pupil funding equal to spending in successful suburban schools.


• Education program comparability with suburban schools to emulate their "recipe for success"


• Required and needed supplemental ("at-risk") programs to "wipe-out" student disadvantages, including well-planned, high quality preschool education for all three-and four- year olds


• Comprehensive educational improvement to deliver the State Funded Preschool programs and reforms at the school site


• New and rehabilitated facilities to adequately house all programs, relieve overcrowding, and eliminate health and safety violations


• State assurance of adequate funding and effective and timely implementation in districts and schools.

Instructional Staff: The qualifications of classroom teachers are an essential component of a high quality preschool classroom. Teachers of preschool children must understand how young children learn and develop, as well as their role in facilitating the growth of each child in all domains, from early math and language arts literacy to social emotional development and science understanding.

Preschool teachers must accommodate the individual growth of each child, while taking into account his or her unique circumstances. All preschool classrooms must be staffed with one Preschool through 3rd grade certified teacher and (at least) one teacher assistant.

For more information about HOPES CAP, Inc. please contact:
HOPES CAP, Inc.
In Hoboken:
301 Garden Street
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030
Phone: (201) 795-1576 x10
In Plainfield:
7-9 Watchung Avenue
Plainfield, New Jersey 07060
Phone: (908) 754-1830 x10

E-Mail: info@hopes.org
Monday through Friday,
9 AM until 5 PM