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New Jersey State Mandated Preschool Expansion. December 8, 2008. The Law. January 2008 Governor Corzine signed into law a new funding formula which included significant expansion of preschool throughout the state of New Jersey.
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New Jersey State Mandated Preschool Expansion December 8, 2008
The Law • January 2008 Governor Corzine signed into law a new funding formula which included significant expansion of preschool throughout the state of New Jersey. • This law required districts to provide three- and four- year old students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch a high quality preschool education beginning the 2009 school year.
Proposed State Funding • State-funded on per pupil basis • New classroom set-up materials and technology
Why? To increase academic student success and bridge the early childhood achievement gap for lower income children. Research shows that children from low-income families that attend preschool programs with qualified teachers and small class sizes show an increase in children’s cognitive abilities leading to broad improvements in achievement and social behavior. Including: • Higher achievement on test scores • Less special education • Higher graduation rates • Increased adult employment and earnings; and • Less delinquency and crime.
State Requirements • 20 % of total target of 70 students in the first year (90% by 2013-2014). • 15 to 1 student to teacher ratio with 1 teacher assistant • Master Teacher • Preschool Supervisor • Community and Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS)
State Requirements • Preschool Intervention & Response Team (PIRT) • Transition Committee (PreK-3) • Early Childhood Advisory Council (PreK-3) • State approved curriculum and assessment • Plans for inclusion and ELL students
More requirements • Professional development plans • Family involvement plans • Annual review of program • Provide breakfast, lunch and snack
Our Process • Attended State Trainings • Created Advisory Council~ August 08 • Established Subcommittees • Recruitment • Curriculum & PD • Special Needs • Health & Nutrition • Supervision • Family & Community Involvement 4. Researched – State Code/guidelines • Participated in Site Visits 6. Held Monthly Advisory Council Meetings
A Peek into the 5 Year Plan………. • Establish two classrooms for 2009-2010 in Greenbrook run by the district • Use district employees where possible to fill mandated positions
5 Year Plan • Implement the Tools of the Mind Curriculum and Work Sampling Online Assessment • Provide transportation for all students
The 5 Year Plan • Apply for start up funds for two new classrooms Special Note: Our estimated costs of operations falls under the State allocation per student
Approval Process • December 8th: Plan presented to the Board for review and feedback • December 15, 2008: Plan submitted to the State with Board resolution • April 2, 2009: Notification from the State Early Childhood Education Department
Moving ForwardWe know that South Brunswick’s Preschool will be one of high standards that will benefit our students and provide a solid foundation for the academic and social experiences throughout their lives.