Recently issued guidelines from the NJ Department of Education on preparing new long range facilities plans (LRFP) require Abbott and Early Childhood Program Aid (ECPA) districts to survey the condition of all buildings housing preschool programs operated by community providers.

The survey must record the number and size of classrooms in their buildings; enrollment; the floor location; ceiling height; outdoor play area; natural lighting; access to child-height sink; access to child-height toilet; and drinking fountain in the classroom.  Survey results will be entered into the State LRFP database. 

The survey represents the first effort to systematically determine the physical condition of buildings housing community provider pre-k programs.  The survey is also necessary for developing a plan to upgrade provider-run classrooms to meet the DOE preschool facilities planning standards.  These facilities standards are available on the DOE website. 

Under the Abbott rulings, DOE and the districts must ensure that all buildings housing Abbott preschoolers are safe and educationally adequate.  Abbott also requires that all preschool classrooms meet the same quality standards.

For several years, ELC and others have called on the DOE, districts, the School Construction Corporation and the Legislature to develop a plan to correct facilities deficiencies in provider buildings, and to advance other options, such as leasing district-owned buildings, joint partnerships and other leasing arrangements, and loan programs for providers to construct or renovate buildings.

“Abbott preschool is a public education program that requires all classrooms – district, community provider and Head Start – to meet the same quality standards,” said Joan Ponessa, ELC Research Director.  “This requirement applies not just to teacher quality and class size, but also to building conditions” she added.         

Prepared: February 14, 2005