Carteret Gets $5M From State To Launch Free, Full-Day PreK

CARTERET, NJ — Columbus Elementary School in Carteret just received $5.85 million from the state to launch free, full-day PreK.

The Carteret school district was already working to launch free, full-day PreK: In total, it will cost $10.6 million to create new PreK classrooms at Columbus Elementary, and hire teachers and staff.

This $5.85 million grant will allow Carteret to add 120 additional PreK seats, said the NJ Dept. of Education.

"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."