Piscataway, Highland Park Elementaries Prepare To Launch Full-Day PreK

PISCATAWAY, NJ — Elementary schools in Piscataway and Highland Park just received funding from the state to launch free, full-day PreK.

The schools are Irving Primary School in Highland Park, and Fellowship Farms Elementary School in Piscataway. John P. Faber Elementary in Dunellen also received money to begin full-day PreK there, as well.

All the 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.

“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."