NJ Ranks First in Education, 6th Overall in 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book But More Work Needed on Economic Well-Being NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey leads the nation in education, ranking first for two consecutive years, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. […]
Category: Library Document
Public Hearing on Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards
The New Jersey Department of Education will hold three public hearings to receive comments on the draft revisions to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. We encourage all early childhood professionals to participate in this important process to share their input as experienced leaders in the field who do this hands-on work with […]
More Than a Grocery Store: How A Better Market Is Transforming Food Access
By Habibah Johnson ACNJ Parent Leadership Council, Co-Chair What if every community had a better market? I recently had a conversation with Shana Manradge, CEO of A Better Market, and it left me thinking about something we don’t talk about enough: food access isn’t just about having a store nearby. It’s about whether families can […]
Resources from Webinar Series: Getting Ready for the World Cup: Keeping NJ Kids Safe
In May, ACNJ held a four-part virtual Dine & Discuss series designed to equip parents, child care providers, and community partners with practical strategies to keep children safe during large-scale events and in everyday life: Getting Ready for the World Cup: Keeping NJ Kids Safe. As global events increase travel, crowds, and online visibility, families […]
Looking Forward: ACNJ 2026 Board Update
Chris J. DuncanWith 10 years of banking experience, I’m passionate about helping small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals. I leverage Valley’s robust suite of services and banking tools to deliver tailored solutions for clients with complex banking needs. By understanding each business’s unique challenges, I help owners access the support and guidance […]

