Gov. Phil Murphy has announced another round of preschool education aid that will allow an additional 16 school districts, including Upper Township’s, across the state to establish or expand their preschool programs.

Murphy was joined by acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer in making the announcement March 12 at Millridge School in Secaucus, where he highlighted the impact that access to preschool is having on New Jersey families as well as his administration’s investment to expand access to preschool statewide.

“Access to early childhood education helps set the tone for the rest of a child’s educational career by providing innumerable benefits that will follow young learners throughout their lives,” the governor said. “From advanced literacy skills to enhanced social and emotional development, access to high-quality preschool programs has a tangible impact on our children.

“Today’s announcement builds upon our work to make universal preschool a reality in New Jersey so that more children have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.”

The Upper Township School District is slated to receive $458,568 under the announcement.

The funding is projected to provide 827 additional seats for children in preschool programs. This round of funding builds on the $25 million announced last October that provided for an additional 1,715 preschool seats in 26 school districts.

High-quality preschools are full-day programs that have a certificated teacher and aide, limited class size, curriculum aligned to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, and are inclusive of special needs children.

“We know that high-quality preschool sets the foundation for a child’s success and is linked to improved student outcomes for years to come,” Dehmer said. “That’s why bringing high-quality preschool to more communities can be so transformative, and one that is well worth our investment.”

The announcement builds on the Murphy administration’s campaign to put New Jersey on the path to universal preschool, providing every 3- and 4-year-old child in the state with access to free, full-day preschool.

Additionally, the governor’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposes an additional $124 million for preschool education, including $20 million to expand high-quality, full-day preschool programs into new school districts. Since taking office, Murphy has increased preschool funding by over $427 million and added more than 14,600 preschool seats in New Jersey school districts.

Following is the list of the 16 additional school districts receiving funding for preschool programs: