March 2014 Educators gather to promote early literacy As early childhood education gains national attention, ACNJ built on this momentum by holding a summit focused on connecting a child’s early learning experiences from preschool through 3rd grade. This early education can ensure that all children read on target by 3rd grade. In 2013, a concerning 58 percent of New Jersey 4th graders were not proficient readers.
ACNJ’s “PreK-3rd Summit,” held on Feb, 28, brought together a broad group of early childhood stakeholders, including representation from all the education associations, higher education, public schools, child care, Head Start and private foundations. Participants discussed both the challenges and opportunities that affect young students’ ability to read on grade-level. As a result of this rich discussion, ACNJ is developing a PreK-3rd Action Plan. We’ll keep you posted on our progress. View photos from the event. Still time to register for juvenile justice forum ACNJ, along with several partners, is hosting a free forum on March 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Conference Center Auditorium in East Windsor. New Jersey has made great strides in reducing the number of youth in detention. Now it is time to build on that success. The forum will bring together local, state and national leaders to explore ways to achieve that goal.
Space is limited! Register today for this free event! NJ child care providers operate on shoestring budgets As New Jersey embarks on a plan to improve child care quality, child care providers say they operate on shoestring budgets that prevent them from delivering the best possible care to young children, according to a new report released last week. In a statewide survey and focus groups conducted by Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ), child care providers said they struggle to offer quality care at a price that families can afford. Read the report. Budget shows bump in federal funds for school breakfast Gov. Christie’s proposed state, unveiled last week, would provide some increases for K-12 education, a slight bump in preschool spending and anticipates an encouraging $21 million more in federal funding for school breakfast.
Read our summary. Newark Summer Program Directory Set for April Release ACNJ’s annual Newark Summer Program Director will be available at the end of April. The directory is a comprehensive guide to summer programs for Newark kids. To request complimentary copies, e-mail Beatriz Zaldivar-Alcaraz at balcaraz@acnj.org. | In This Issue | Take Action | | Tell a Friend |  | Help Give Every
Child a Chance Advocates for Children of New Jersey relies on the generous contributions of individuals, corporations and foundations to support our work.
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