What’s New?

To: Senate Education Committee

From: Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ)

Date: May 12, 2025

RE: ACNJ’s Testimony on S3910

Dear Chairman Gopal and Members of the Senate Education Committee:

My name is Winifred Smith-Jenkins, and I am here today on behalf of Advocates for Children of New Jersey in support of Senate Bill 3910.

As a former child care director, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that public preschool has had on children, families, and the communities they live in. For more than 25 years, New Jersey has invested in high-quality early education that prepares children for school and supports family stability.

This bill builds on that foundation. It moves us toward broader access by expanding the reach of public preschool to include every three- and four-year-old, regardless of ZIP code. It recognizes the importance of making this opportunity available to all children, not just those in certain districts or income brackets.

One of the most important provisions in this bill is the recognition of a mixed delivery system. Community-based providers have long been trusted by families and have played a critical role in delivering quality preschool. Preserving their place in this evolving system is not only practical—it’s necessary. Families need choices, and the state needs the capacity that exists outside of public schools to meet this growing demand.

That said, the amendments have shifted the implementation approach, adding complexity and raising new questions, particularly about how private providers will be meaningfully included and supported moving forward.

We’re on the right path, but there is more work to do. We look forward to working with the bill sponsors and state leaders to ensure this expansion is implemented in a way that is equitable and inclusive. Community-based providers must have a real seat at the table—not just in principle, but in practice—so we can build a system that meets the needs of children, families, and the early childhood workforce across New Jersey.

Thank you for your time and for your ongoing commitment to early education. I urge you to move this bill forward while continuing to engage with all stakeholders to ensure its success.