The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) that is designed to increase access to high-quality preschool for three- and four-year-old children in the 2017-2018 school year. The Preschool Education Expansion Aid (PEAA) helps establish and sustain high-quality preschool programs within high-need communities.
Some $25 million has been appropriated for fiscal year 2018, which began on July 1, 2017.
Districts already offering a state-funded general education preschool program are eligible for funding to increase the number of children served, the length of the program day offered, or the quality of the program. Districts that are fully funded for preschool are not eligible to apply for this funding.
PEEA grant applications are due by Monday, August 21, 2017.
The New Jersey Department of Education sent out a broadcast memo to all superintendents; charter school and Renaissance School project lead persons; executive county superintendents; executive county business administrators; and executive directors for Regional Achievement Centers on Aug. 1; a mandatory technical assistance workshop for applicants was held on Aug. 8.
NJSBA urges all eligible districts to apply for the available additional funding. More information on the program is available at Notification of Funding Opportunity page.