Funding for Preschools: How Much Is Burlington Co. Getting?

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Three Burlington County school districts will receive funding to expand access to preschools, Gov. Phil Murphy's administration said Thursday.

The Eastampton Township School District will get $548,400, the Palmyra School District will get $507,270 and the Mount Laurel School District will get $1,562,610.

Another 24 school districts in New Jersey will split roughly $23.3 million, also to expand access to preschools, the administration also said.

The funds will ensure 2,150 additional 3- and 4-year-old children will have access to a preschool classroom for this school year, according to Gov. Phil Murphy's administration. New Jersey will then have nearly 70,000 preschool seats, officials said.

The Fiscal Year 2023 budget appropriated $40 million for grants to districts expanding their preschool programs or creating new programs. Districts that received grants demonstrated to the state that they can provide to enrolled students a "high-quality" preschool program — defined by a full-day program with a certificated teacher, an aide and small classes that are inclusive of children with special needs who have an individualized education program.

State officials will distribute the rest of the funds on a later date.

This story also contains reporting by Josh Bakan.

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