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Describing the state's investment in pre-school programs as one of the most important measures of his administration, Gov. Jon Corzine Tuesday announced the state will surpass 50,000 pre-school enrollments for a record number 51,100 children to be guided in programs this year.
The governor made the announcement at the grand opening of a new 10-classroom Plainfield pre-school financed through the African American Fund of New Jersey.
"While many tough budget decisions had to be made this year, the easiest of all decisions was to protect education," Corzine said. "The foundation of New Jersey's economy is its highly talented and well educated workforce which starts with our investment in early childhood education. Quality pre-school initiatives strengthen the state's workforce, support jobs for those who provide services and prepare students for a brighter economic future. I remain committed to ensuring that all students across the New Jersey have access to high-quality, full-day pre-school programs."
The state is investing about $600 million, a $50 million increase, statewide in pre-school education, mostly in the 31 poorest school districts.Corzine said he recognizes that partnerships between school districts and private providers as well as partnerships with Head Start are critical to the success of New Jersey's pre-school programs.
A recent study on the effects of pre-school found that children who attended the Abbott pre-school education program outperformed their peers in first and second grades, and children who had two years of pre-school rather than just one had double the advantages.
New Jersey, among the leading states in terms of pre-school enrollment, also leads the country in spending per child in pre-school programs at $12,530 and with Oregon and Minnesota, spends more than twice the national average.
"This is a significant day for the children who will pass through the doors of this fine facility and similar ones over the coming days," Corzine said. "For these students, new worlds of opportunity will open and a critical step for New Jersey's future will be made."
— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Many of us have dedicated our lives to Early Childhood Education and specifically preschool, Kindergarten and inclusion. The numbers of children included in quality preschool programs is worth the time and effort. We cannot forget the work that still must be done! Beyond the former Abbotts, there are many districts attempting to build on their existing preschool programs; improve the quality of their SpEd preschool programs; implement inclusion and also offer quality preschool to all children through mixed programs with tuition paying families. They still need support. And then, we are also committed to supporting Kindergarten teachers and the transition from Preschool to Kindergarten and beyond- Preschool-Third Grade. It is necessary and exciting to collaborate with the Governor's Office; the Commissioner and the Director of Preschool-DOE-DECE; the Advocates (ACNJ); the administrators(NJPSA); and other dedicated educators and private groups to do what is best for children. We have an additional wealth of EC expertise in NJ also with the Universities and the National Institute for Early Education Research. Thank you again for understanding our work.