TRENTON, N.J. (WCBS 880) — Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday vowed to provide universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds across New Jersey by 2030.
The state's plan includes giving a clear path for school districts to access pre-K and partnering with current child care centers.
"This is not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do," Murphy said. "And 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 toward this goal."
The governor toured the Charles R. Smith Early Childhood Center in Palisades Park, which is one of 19 school districts getting part of $17 million in state funding to enhance pre-K programs.
"Ten districts are brand new programs and nine will be the expansions of existing pre-K programs, and with today's announcement we'll have funded over 9,000 new seats in about 140 new and expanded districts," Murphy said.
Sen. Teresa Ruiz says 0- to 3-year-old pre-K is being considered in this plan.
"Because we know already that if we're not taking care of the mother, and the child in the womb and the infant that comes out, and if we're not resourcing those areas with high-quality daycare centers that once that child goes into a 3-year-old program they're already far behind and the needle keeps getting pushed back," Ruiz said.
Murphy has increased state funding for pre-K since he took office in 2018 by 35%.