3 Ocean Twp. Elementary Schools Get Money To Launch Full-Day PreK

OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — Three elementary schools in Ocean Township just received additional funding from the state to launch free, full-day PreK.

The schools are: Wanamassa Elementary School, Wayside Elementary School and Ocean Township Elementary. All three schools were already working to launch free, full-day PreK, but they will use this new infusion of state money to build and expand preschool classrooms.

"We've heard from many school leaders that the biggest obstacle they face has been the lack of adequate facilities needed to house (full-day PreK)," Kevin Dehmer, acting NJ Commissioner of Education, said here in announcing the additional funding Wednesday.

Gov. Phil Murphy has made it a goal of his time in office to give every child in New Jersey access to free, full-day PreK. On Dec. 4, the Murphy administration dolled out an additional $42 million to expand all-day preschool across the state.

The $42 million is funded through the American Rescue Plan.

• Wanamassa Elementary School will receive $147,237 in state funds to offset its estimated PreK cost of $368,093.
• Wayside Elementary School will receive $87,633.
• Ocean Township Elementary School will receive $46,116.

“High-quality preschool can positively impact the trajectory of a child’s life," said Gov. Murphy. "This is building upon our work to make New Jersey the best place to raise a family and educate a child."