TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Rob Clifton and Ron Dancer welcomed $1,574,034 in new aid for the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District to expand its pre-k programs starting Feb. 1, 2021. The pair represent Matawan in the 12th Legislative District.
“This is great news for the young minds that will benefit and the parents who will have the opportunity to give their children what they deserve – a high-quality introduction to education,” said Clifton. “I’m thankful more families in our district will reap the rewards of an early education.”
Gov. Phil Murphy announced the funding Monday that would spread $10 million for preschool education across 10 districts in the state.
The amount of preschool aid is based on the number of low-income students in each district. The funding is being directed to districts that do not receive state aid for preschool and have more than 20 percent of their students receiving free or reduced lunch.
“A child’s preschool experience sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning” said Dancer. “During these most challenging times, we must continue to ensure children are prioritized by making sound investments in their future. This welcome news will help lift up our disadvantaged children and the educators wanting to make a difference.”
Children who attend quality preschools display greater self-regulatory behavior and academic skills than their counterparts who don’t attend preschool, according to studies.