As New Jersey expands its preschool programming, community-based providers play a vital role in the mixed-delivery system. Specifically, early childhood educators, administrators, and advocates must navigate upcoming policy updates, funding structures, and contracts. To help them prepare, the Early Childhood Education Advocates (ECEA) partnered with the Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC). Together, they recently hosted two critical informational workshops. Furthermore, these sessions connected attendees with state leadership and national policy experts.
1. Navigating the Future: NJDOE Mixed Delivery Handbook Presentation
(March 20, 2026)
The first session focused heavily on regulatory alignment, operational frameworks, and state-level expectations. During the workshop, key leaders from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Division of Early Childhood Services reviewed the Division of Early Childhood Services Mixed Delivery Handbook and contract structures for 2026–2027.
Featured Guest Presenters:
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Mickey Ronan-Grosshtern, Executive Director of Early Childhood Services, NJ Department of Education
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Kimberly Friddell, Director, Office of Preschool Education Programs, NJ Department of Education
Key Takeaways:
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Contract Guidance: Presenters walked attendees through the finer points of the 2026–27 mixed-delivery contracts. In addition, they highlighted compliance requirements and best practices for community-based providers collaborating with school districts.
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State Support: NJDOE leadership emphasized their ongoing commitment to streamlining processes. Thus, they aim to support private and community-based providers as key partners in universal preschool expansion.
2. Maximizing Resources: Community-Based Provider Budget Workshop
(March 30, 2026)
Building on compliance, the second workshop shifted focus to the fiscal health and sustainability of community-based providers. Co-hosted by ECEA and ECEC, this session tackled the complex mechanics of budgeting for preschool mixed-delivery partnerships.
Featured Guest Presenter:
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Karin Garver, Early Childhood Education Policy Specialist, National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)
Key Takeaways:
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Strategic Budgeting: Garver shared expert insights on how organizations can structure their finances effectively. Consequently, this helps them support high-quality classrooms while maintaining organizational sustainability.
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Partnership Models: The session explored fiscal strategies for aligning provider budgets with district expectations. Meanwhile, it ensured equitable funding and resource distribution across mixed-delivery settings.
Looking Ahead
As New Jersey moves forward with preschool expansion, collaborative initiatives hosted by organizations like ECEA and ECEC remain essential. By bridging the gap between state agencies, national researchers, and frontline early childhood providers, these workshops empower the community to build sustainable, high-quality learning environments for New Jersey’s youngest learners.
Stay tuned to the ECEA platform for future announcements, upcoming workshops, and continued advocacy updates.