1. New Jersey State Mandated Preschool Expansion December 8, 2008

2. 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.

3. Proposed State Funding State-funded on per pupil basis New classroom set- up materials and technology

4. Why? T o increase academic student success and bridge the early childhood achievement gap for lower income children. R esearch 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.

5. 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)

6. 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

7. More requirements Professional development plans Family involvement plans Annual review of program Provide breakfast, lunch and snack

8. Our Process 1.Attended State Trainings 2.Created Advisory Council~ August 08 3.Established Subcommittees –Recruitment –Curriculum & PD –Special Needs –Health & Nutrition –Supervision –Family & Community Involvement 4. Researched – State Code/guidelines 5.Participated in Site Visits 6. Held Monthly Advisory Council Meetings

9. 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

10. 5 Year Plan  Implement the Tools of the Mind Curriculum and Work Sampling Online Assessment  Provide transportation for all students

11. 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

12. Approval Process December 8 th : 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

13. Moving Forward We 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.