Funding Will Expand Free Preschool Program In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — More students will be able to get free, universal preschool in Lacey thanks to additional federal grant funding.

The second round of Universal Preschool Facilities Expansion Grant funding, announced Wednesday, will give $1,350,000 to expand the program in the Lacey Township School District. The estimated project cost is $3,375,000.

“High-quality preschool can positively impact the trajectory of a child’s life, which is why we have made it our mission to expand access to these critical programs,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “During our administration, we’ve seen remarkable success in bringing high-quality, state-funded preschool to hundreds of New Jersey communities. These grant awards to support preschool construction and expansion projects represent an investment in our children’s futures and will help bring us closer to our goal of realizing universal preschool in New Jersey.”

The funding will add 75 extra seats for preschoolers at Mill Pond School, according to the state.

“Families and educators in many school districts have been eager to establish new, high-quality preschool programs in their community,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “However, we’ve also heard from many school leaders that the biggest obstacle they face has been the lack of adequate facilities needed to house those programs. This initiative marks a significant step towards universal access to high-quality preschool as it makes funding widely available to help school districts build, expand, or renovate school facilities specifically for preschool students.”