Bloomfield Preschool Expansion Grant 

Full-Day Kindergarten: Districts must offer full-day kindergarten to be eligible to apply.

Expansion/New Program: Funding is for expanding current programs to serve more children, offering extended program hours, or initiating a new high-quality state-funded preschool program. Districts already fully funded (e.g., former Abbott districts and current PEA LEAs) are generally excluded from new expansion funding.

Free and Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL) Percentage: Districts with higher percentages of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch are prioritized. The prioritization tiers typically are:

• 20% FRPL or above (highest priority)

• 15-19% FRPL

• 10-14% FRPL

• Less than 10% FRPL

Attendance at Technical Assistance Workshop: First-time applicants are often required to attend a mandatory technical assistance session.

Timely & Complete Application: Applications must be submitted by the deadline via the Electronic Web-Enabled Grants system (or Homeroom) and must be complete. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Minimum Score: Eligible applications must meet a minimum score (e.g., 70 points) in the review process to be considered for funding, before the application of priority points.

Full "School Day" Program: The program must be full, typically following the district's calendar (first/last day, holiday closures, etc.) with a minimum of 180 school days and a 6-hour contact day.

Class Size and Ratios: The projected class size may not exceed 15 children in all general education PEA-funded preschool classes. Each classroom must have one Lead Teacher and one Assistant.

Teacher Qualifications:

• Lead Teacher: Must hold a bachelor's degree and, at a minimum, a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing for Preschool to Grade 3 (P-3), or other equivalent preschool certification as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:9B. This applies to teachers in all settings (district, private provider, Head Start).

• Assistant: Must have a high school diploma or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Curriculum: The program must use a state-approved curriculum chosen by the district.

Classroom Facilities:

• Minimum of 950 sq. ft. including bathrooms and storage, OR at least 750 sq. ft. of usable space.

• "Attached" children's bathrooms (in classroom or within direct sight).

• All students in a contracted classroom must be from that district (unless districts have contracted in collaboration).

Support Staff: Mandatory roles include a Director and a Family Worker (1 worker per 75 students, prorated based on enrollment). A Family Worker is similar to a social worker for the school and requires a high school diploma.

Collaboration/Mixed Delivery System: Districts must demonstrate due diligence in establishing partnerships with licensed community child care providers and Head Start programs that are willing and able to meet all preschool program requirements. This includes contacting local licensed child care providers and submitting a letter of intent with signed agreements between the district and the provider/Head Start agency.

Grow NJ Kids: Districts and their partner programs must apply to participate in Grow NJ Kids (NJ's Quality Improvement Rating Program).

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Private providers are encouraged to apply to participate in NJ's CACFP for meal services.

Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC): The district must have an existing or newly established ECAC or equivalent, representative of the community (including parents, school district representatives, child care providers, Head Start, municipal agencies, health professionals, higher education, etc.).

Transportation: If the district provides busing for K-12 students, it is generally required to provide transportation for preschoolers as well, and grant funds can be used for this.

Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA): Funded districts must demonstrate a commitment to addressing preschool to kindergarten articulation and curriculum alignment and plan to participate in New Jersey's Kindergarten Entry Assessment.

Operational Plan: The application requires a comprehensive operational plan outlining outreach, recruitment, enrollment, facilities, community collaboration, family engagement, and transitions.

Local Matching Funds: For facility expansion grants, districts are eligible to receive a minimum of 40% of approved eligible project costs, with the funding percentage based on the district's aid percentage. Districts must be able to demonstrate local matching funds for the balance of the project costs. Projects requiring a referendum for the local share may not be considered in some grant rounds.

Start-Up Costs: PEA funds can be used for start-up costs such as furniture, classroom materials, supplies, and staff training.

Minor Facilities Improvements: Funds can be used for minor facilities improvements (e.g., retrofitting bathrooms), but generally not for major construction like building additions.

Fiscal Practices: Programs are typically subject to regular monitoring of fiscal practices.