NJMAC Preschool Expansion Guide
NJMAC has compiled this guide to inform and assist Montessori schools in navigating New Jersey’s pre-school expansion plans. Please visit this page to find policy updates, news, opportunities to connect with our community and a toolkit with templates and resources to assist you in taking informed action to best suit your unique circumstances.
On July 3rd, 2023, the NJDOE announced that it will make a funding opportunity available to all Public School Districts that serve full-day Kindergarten students to expand state funded full-day Pre-K for 3 and 4 year old children across the state. This is a new development since previously, districts were eligible to apply based on the number of children with free and reduced lunches in their districts.
Districts must apply by August 11th to be considered for the 2023-24 funding.
You may view the announcement here, however, please understand that this announcement and application was directed to public school districts, also referred to as LEAs, Local Education Agencies. Only public school districts can apply. Private providers and Head Start agencies must connect with their school district officials for an opportunity to participate.
NJDOE’S REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PARTICIPATING PROGRAMS
Classroom Limitations:
1. Minimum of 950 sq. ft. including bathrooms and storage
OR at least 750 sq. ft of usable space
2. “Attached” children’s bathrooms (in classroom or within direct sight)
3. 15 students per classroom
a. All students in the contracted classroom must be from that district. You can’t mix children from different districts, unless if the districts have contracted in collaboration. However, you may contract with multiple districts for different classrooms.
4. 1 Lead Teacher and 1 Assistant per classroom.
Staff Qualifications
1. Teacher = BA plus- Certificate of Eligibility (CE), or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing for Preschool to Grade 3 (P3)
2. Assistant = High School or CDA
3. Support Staff = Director (mandatory), Family Worker (mandatory), Secretary, Maintenance, etc.
a. Family Workers = 1 worker per 75 students; prorated based on enrollment.
b. Family Worker is similar to a social worker for your school. High School diploma is the only education requirement.
Curriculum
State Approved Curriculum is chosen by each District
Currently, the Montessori Curriculum is not one of the 4 curricula listed by the NJ Department of Education.
Let’s continue to advocate for Montessori to be an approved curriculum at the NJ State Department of Education level.
Chosen by each District- Our efforts at building relationships within our school boards can help them see the exceptional benefits of Montessori education and get them interested in partnering with our schools.
Schedule: Daily and Annually
1. Full “school day” program- 6 hour contact day
2. Must provide minimum of 180 days of school
a. Typically follow District’s calendar (first/last day, holiday closures, etc.)
Additional Requirements
1. Access to Outdoor Playground
2. No Classrooms above the 2nd Floor
Enrollment in the Following:
1. Grow NJ Kids (NJ’s Quality Improvement Rating Program)
2. Apply to Participate in NJ’s CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Plan)
a. For more information on the CACFP and to begin the application process, private providers should contact Steven Kraemer at NJCACFP-PEA@ag.nj.gov.
Resources
NJAEYC | Dedicated to Advancing Excellence in the Field of Early Childhood Education
Sue Dannemiller, Executive Director for Children’s Day Preschool, V.P. Public Policy at NJAEYC. sdannemiller@cdnfc.com