Governor Corzine Announces Record Number of Children Enrolled in Preschool This Year

Enrollments increase more than ten percent since 2006

PLAINFIELD - Describing the State's investment in preschool as one of the most important measures of his administration, Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced the State will surpass 50,000 preschool enrollments for a record number 51,100 children to be served in preschool programs this year.  The Governor made the announcement at the grand opening of a new 10-classroom preschool facility financed through the African American Fund of NJ (AAFNJ). 

"While many tough budget decisions had to be made this year, the easiest of all decisions was to protect education," Governor Corzine said. "The foundation of New Jersey's economy is its highly talented and well educated workforce which starts with our investment in early childhood education.  Quality preschool initiatives strengthen the State's workforce, support jobs for those who provide services and prepare students for a brighter economic future. I remain committed to ensuring that all students across the New Jersey have access to high-quality, full-day preschool programs." 

New Jersey is investing about $600 million, a $50 million increase, statewide in preschool, mostly in Abbott districts. 

Governor Corzine said he recognizes that partnerships between school districts and private providers as well as partnerships with Head Start are critical to the success of New Jersey's preschool program. 

A recent study on the effects of pre-school found that children who attended the high quality Abbott preschool education program outperformed their peers in first and second grades, and children who had two years of pre-school rather than just one had double the advantages.  

New Jersey, among the leading states in terms of preschool enrollment, also leads the country in spending per child in preschool programs at $12,530 and with Oregon and Minnesota, spent more than twice the national average. 

"This is a significant day for the children who will pass through the doors of this fine facility and similar ones over the coming days," added the Governor.  "For these students, new worlds of opportunity will open and a critical step for New Jersey's future will be made." 

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