PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced a lofty goal Thursday. He wants to provide pre-kindergarten education for every three and four-year-old in the state.
Murphy said he is starting by expanding or adding pre-kindergarten in 19 districts.
Of those getting a piece of the $17 million in funding announced, more than half of them are in South Jersey.
Monroe and Washington townships are the biggest recipients, at $1.4 million and $1.1 million respectively. Westville, Berlin and Audubon are all getting hundreds of thousands for their pre-K programs.
The governor said this is a down payment, and the next step of his commitment to early education.
“Quite plainly, education in general and pre-K in particular is one of our best opportunities to close the achievement gap for students who come from low-income and disadvantaged communities," Murphy said.
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“This is not just the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do.”
According to the governor, research shows every dollar spent on pre-K comes back sevenfold.
Part of the governor's plan includes working with existing daycare centers and preschools to ensure every kid has a fair chance to succeed in life.
“If and when we receive funds through the American Families Plan, the next part of the federal infrastructure package, it will enhance our ability to move even more quickly towards this goal," said Murphy.
Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan said investing in education pays off for everybody.
“The earlier students are able to access education, the more equitable are educational outcomes," she added.
