Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) has recommended the formation of a task force to evaluate and enhance New Jersey's public preschool system. In a statement addressed to the New Jersey State Board of Education, Shadaya Bennett, Senior Legislative Analyst at ACNJ, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to early childhood education.
"ACNJ is committed to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality education in safe and enriching environments as their fundamental right," Bennett stated. She highlighted New Jersey's reputation for high-quality public education but noted that effective resource utilization is crucial to maintaining these standards.
Bennett underscored the importance of quality early childhood education for brain development and preparation for K-12 education. While supporting universal pre-K, she pointed out that the current expansion process has had unintended consequences on the child care system. "New Jersey must strategically expand public preschool while ensuring the sustainability of the child care infrastructure," she said.
The recommendation calls for a mixed-delivery system that involves collaboration between school districts and private child care providers. This would support equitable access for all children and families. The proposed task force would evaluate several key areas, including barriers to collaboration, contracting systems, and funding mechanisms.
Bennett explained that private providers often face financial disadvantages due to one-year contracts, which hinder long-term investments. Additionally, funding instability can negatively impact small businesses partnering with public preschool programs.
"If New Jersey is truly committed to a sustainable public preschool system for three- and four-year-olds, we must ensure that commitment is matched by strategic planning and thoughtful consideration of all factors," Bennett concluded.
She invited further inquiries at sbennett@acnj.org.
