New Jersey has a mandated full day high quality preschool program for over 40,000 children of poverty.  Longitudinal studies indicate by 4th or 5th grade, children attending these programs are, on average, three-quarters of an academic year ahead of students who did not attend a quality preschool.  They made significant academic gains in language arts, literacy, math and science, and were less likely to be retained a grade or require special education.  Yet, 35,000 low-income children in NJ do not have access to this model program because of New Jersey budget constraints.

Federal support for the “Preschool for All” initiative would provide additional low-income children with access to quality early learning experiences.  High quality early education is a “Win-Win” for all as it improves success in school, in life, and it produces advantages for the taxpayer and the economy.