Pre-K Our Way

Pre-K Our Way officially sunset at the close of 2021 and conducted its final operations through February 28, 2022. Since its inception in 2015 as a unique targeted advocacy effort with a clear, strategic focus, Pre-K Our Way’s goals remained simple: make NJ’s state-funded, full-day pre-k a state-wide priority, and have NJ’s elected leaders fund a long-existing law for pre-k expansion which had not been funded.

Pre-K Our Way's most lasting achievement is that NJ's state-funded, full-day pre-k became and remains a statewide priority. When Pre-K Our Way started, there were 35 school districts with NJ’s state-funded, full-day pre-k – only the original districts funded by state-law; there had been zero movement or new funding for nearly 20 years. As of February 28, 2022, there are 180 school districts with NJ's Pre-K. Pre-K Our Way's advocacy expanded the eligibility for state-funded pre-k from the initial number of 75 districts to a total of 305 and increased the number of eligible students within each district. As they stated in a September 2021 press conference and since, the governor and NJDOE are committed to universal pre-k.

Pre-K Our Way set the conversation and provided the targeted, strategic advocacy for New Jersey's advances in pre-k expansion - and early education.

"(W)e will continue to grow pre-K with a goal of ensuring universal preschool for every young learner in every community," said Gov Murphy in his 2nd Inaugural Address (Jan 18 2022).

Gov Murphy’s video intro to the Jan 11 2022 'State of the State' celebrated NJ’s recent pre-k success: “…Created or expanded high-quality pre-k in 140 school districts…” Info re: proposed funding for cont’d expansion will be in his Budget Address (+/- 6 weeks from Jan 11). There’s continued commitment NJ’s pre-k beyond the current 180 districts!

Here's to an excellent 2022 for all of NJ's preschoolers, and especially for the 3- and 4-year-olds in the FIVE communities beginning pre-k expansion this month: Hammonton, Estell Manor, South Hunterdon Regional, Lower Alloways Creek and Hopatcong. That brings the total number of NJ school districts with state-funded, full-day pre-k to 180!!!

Happy Holidays from happy faces at Pre-K Our Way ---- and the thousands of 3- and 4-year-olds across 180 school districts benefitting from access to NJ’s pre-k. That includes the newest preschoolers in districts recently funded to begin Jan 2022!

On Dec 17, Gov Murphy announced the addition of FIVE more schools funded for pre-k expansion! These five - Hammonton (Atlantic County), Estell Manor, South Hunterdon Regional, Lower Alloways Creek and Hopatcong - bring the total of NJ school districts with state-funded, full-day pre-k to 180!!!

While we await NJDOE's announcement of the new pre-k expansion districts to start later January 2022, remember that every dollar invested in quality early education is also a WIN for NJ and NJ working families!

Within the next few weeks, Gov Murphy and NJDOE will announce the newly funded pre-k expansion districts! Pre-K Our Way will share award info on social media and our website. Until then (and their fingers are crossed…) here’s what one district is doing to prepare…. https://www.hammontongazette.com/post/full-day-pre-k-coming-112421.

NJ’s continuing investment of more $$ in pre-k expansion means more of NJ’s 3- and 4-year-olds and their working families have access to state-funded, full-day pre-k!

Happy Hanukkah!

Never too early – or too often – to be thankful! Your support for NJ’s pre-k expansion has changed so many lives, families and communities throughout our state! Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!!

The overwhelming research shows: we are investing in the future when we invest in our quality pre-k program! NJ’s state-funded, full-day pre-k supports mixed-delivery!