New Jersey State Mandated Preschool Expansion

December 8, 2008

The Law

• January 2008 Governor Corzine signed into law a new funding formula which included significant expansion of preschool throughout the state of New Jersey.

• This law required districts to provide three- and four- year old students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch a high quality preschool education beginning the 2009 school year.

Proposed State Funding

• State-funded on per pupil basis

• New classroom set-up materials and technology

Why?To increase academic student success and bridge the earlychildhood achievement gap for lower income children.

Research shows that children from low-income families that attend preschool programs with qualified teachers and small class sizes show an increase in children’s cognitive abilities leading to broad improvements in achievement and social behavior.

Including: • Higher achievement on test scores • Less special education• Higher graduation rates• Increased adult employment and earnings; and• Less delinquency and crime.

State Requirements• 20 % of total target of 70 students in the

first year (90% by 2013-2014).

• 15 to 1 student to teacher ratio with 1 teacher assistant

• Master Teacher

• Preschool Supervisor

• Community and Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS)

State Requirements• Preschool Intervention &

Response Team (PIRT)• Transition Committee (PreK-3)• Early Childhood Advisory Council

(PreK-3)• State approved curriculum and

assessment• Plans for inclusion and ELL

students

More requirements

• Professional development plans

• Family involvement plans

• Annual review of program

• Provide breakfast, lunch and snack

Our Process1. Attended State Trainings

2. Created Advisory Council~ August 08

3. Established Subcommittees – Recruitment– Curriculum & PD – Special Needs– Health & Nutrition – Supervision– Family & Community

Involvement

4. Researched – State Code/guidelines

5. Participated in Site Visits

6. Held Monthly Advisory Council Meetings

A Peek into the 5 Year Plan……….

Establish two classrooms for 2009-2010 in Greenbrook run by the district

Use district employees where possible to fill mandated positions

5 Year Plan

Implement the Tools of the Mind Curriculum and Work Sampling Online Assessment

Provide transportation for all students

The 5 Year Plan

Apply for start up funds for two new classrooms

Special Note:

Our estimated costs

of operations falls

under the State

allocation per student

Approval Process

• December 8th: Plan presented to the Board for review and feedback

• December 15, 2008: Plan submitted to the State with Board resolution

• April 2, 2009: Notification from the State Early Childhood Education Department

Moving ForwardWe know that South Brunswick’s

Preschool will be one of high standards that will benefit our students and provide a solid

foundation for the academic and social experiences throughout their

lives.