State Board of EducationApril 16, 2008

Jacqueline JonesEllen Wolock

David JoyeDivision of Early Childhood Education

Preschool Expansion

Preschool Expansion All at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds to attend

Abbott-quality preschool programs.

Universal preschool for 3- or 4-year-olds in “A” and “B” districts and “CD” districts with an at-risk concentration of at least 40%.

Targeted preschool in all other districts for all at-risk three- and four-year-olds.

Goal

Fully implemented over 6 years:

◦30,000 more children, bringing preschool enrollment to 70,000 children.

◦Funding increases to $330 million, bringing total preschool funding for $850 million.

◦Reach at least 90% of the eligible population in all districts within six years

Abbott-quality Program Small class sizes,

Certified classroom teachers and teacher assistants,

Coaching & Mentoring: Master teachers,

Comprehensive preschool curriculum,

Social Services: Social workers, outreach programs, etc.

Abbott-quality Program Mixed delivery system

◦In-district

◦Providers

◦Head Start

Costs Per pupil amounts:

◦Detailed line item budget data ◦Adjustments for geographic cost differences

◦Costs for district-wide administration of these programs is included in the per pupil amounts

Preschool Expansion 2008-2009 is a planning year for most

districts.

Districts must submit a five year plan and budget for implementation of full day preschool for all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.

Annual updates of the plan.

District Preschool Status2008-2009

2008-2009 Abbott budgets approved. They will get what we approved for 2008-2009 less an enrollment adjustment. Will not receive less $ in the future.

ECPAs not receiving preschool expansion aid will receive at least the same preschool aid as 07-08 per pupil.

Districts receiving ELLI aid in 07-08 will receive the same preschool aid in 08-09.

District Preschool Status2008-2009

State aid notices went out with these figures pre-filled.

2008-2009 is a planning year for districts that received no preschool aid in 07-08.

Regional Preschool Expansion Meetings

Three in April for Superintendents

Topics of expansion meetings Preschool expansion rollout and timeline

Components of high quality preschool program implementation

Five year plan for preschool implementation

Sign up is at http://education.state.nj.us/events/

Questions