NJ A5717

Requires all school districts serving elementary grades to establish full-day kindergarten programs no later than the 2029-2030 school year, with attendance being free for all children over age five and under age six

Creates preschool expansion grants for districts not currently offering State-funded preschool, with preference given to districts with higher concentrations of at-risk pupils (households at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines)

Establishes a Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee within the Department of Education to recommend a funding methodology for preschool costs beginning in the 2028-2029 school year and evaluate mixed delivery partnerships with licensed childcare providers and Head Start programs

Implements a three-year pilot program (2025-2028) for districts first receiving preschool education aid, with State funding covering at least 40% of eligible costs based on the district's aid percentage

Requires school districts receiving preschool education aid to demonstrate due diligence in partnering with licensed childcare providers and Head Start programs, and obtain commissioner approval before significantly redistributing State-funded preschool seats among providers