Description of the Grant Program

Governor Corzine's fiscal 2008 budget includes $8.5 million for the Preschool Quality Enhancement Award (PQEA) program to improve the quality of preschool programs serving the neediest young children in non-Abbott districts.

This funding notification is to announce the availability of funds for the Preschool Quality Enhancement Awards (PQEA). These awards are designed to improve the quality of existing full-day preschool educational programs that are located in non-Abbott districts by assisting these programs to move toward Abbott-quality standards. Eligible programs must be able to demonstrate that at least 75% of the children enrolled in their preschool programs are at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (eligible for free lunch).

Funds may be used to:

• Support certification efforts for classroom teachers and teacher assistants,

• Select and implement appropriate research-based curriculum and assessment models,

• Enhance teacher professional development, and

• Implement other strategies necessary to align these programs with the high-quality standards of New Jersey's Abbott preschool programs.

AWARD AMOUNT

$3,000 per low-income child (at or below poverty level) enrolled in the existing program.

AWARD PERIOD

It is anticipated that grants will be awarded February 1, 2008. The award period will run from February 1, 2008 until January 31, 2009.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for the PQEA funds is limited to programs that:

• Currently provide full-day and full-year preschool services (defined as a 6-hour comprehensive educational day for at least 160 days per year- exclusive of DHS-funded wraparound services) in non-Abbott districts for 3- and/or 4-year-old children.

• Demonstrate that at least 75% of the children served are at or below the poverty level,

• Are licensed by the Department of Human Services, if a private provider or Head Start program, and

• Have three or more preschool classrooms. Sites with one or two classrooms may apply, but must work collaboratively with another provider or a school district.

Ellen Wolock, Ed.D.

Director, Office of Preschool Education

Division of Early Childhood Education

New Jersey Department of Education

PO Box 500, Trenton NJ 08625

Phone: 609-777-2074