NEW JERSEY — New Jersey improved its national standing in preschool access for 3-year-olds while maintaining strong funding and quality benchmarks, according to a new national report on early childhood education.
The National Institute for Early Education Research’s 2025 State of Preschool Yearbook found that New Jersey rose from fourth to third in access for 3-year-olds and remained 21st for 4-year-olds. During the 2024-2025 school year, the state served 27% of 3-year-olds and 35% of 4-year-olds in state-funded preschool programs.
New Jersey also ranked second nationally in spending per child, at $18,848, and met nine out of 10 quality benchmarks identified by researchers.
“New Jersey’s progress towards universal preschool for both three- and four-year-olds should be applauded, though the state has more work to do to meet that goal,” said NIEER Director Steve Barnett. “In July, the Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Expansion Act was enacted, requiring additional funding for preschool expansion each year. The Governor’s proposed budget also includes an increase in state preschool funding of over 9%.”
The report showed enrollment in New Jersey preschool programs reached 65,365 children, an increase of nearly 3,500 from the previous year. Total state spending on preschool rose to about $1.23 billion, a 9% increase adjusted for inflation.
Researchers said New Jersey’s program continues to stand out nationally for quality and structure.
“New Jersey’s preschool program has long served as a model for other states. In addition to meeting 9 out of 10 benchmarks, NJ has a policy in place to pay preschool teachers on par with public school teachers, and children benefit from small class sizes, at least 6 hours per day, and two years of the program,” said Allison Friedman-Krauss, the report’s lead author. “As preschool continues to expand, state leaders must prioritize maintaining the high-quality standards the state is famous for.”
State officials said the findings highlight the impact of continued investment in early education.
“New Jersey’s strong performance in the annual NIEER 2025 State of Preschool Yearbook report shows that our investments are paying off. High-quality preschool programs deliver real, long-term benefits for children,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux. “This research reinforces our commitment to expanding and strengthening programs that work for students. By continuing to invest in high-quality, community-based preschool, we are giving young learners a strong foundation for future success.”
Nationally, 44 states and Washington, D.C., fund preschool programs, with enrollment reaching 37% of 4-year-olds but only 9% of 3-year-olds. Total state spending nationwide reached nearly $14.4 billion, with New Jersey among the top three states investing more than $1 billion annually in preschool.
Researchers noted that while access is expanding, maintaining quality remains critical to improving long-term outcomes for children.
