New Jersey Lawmakers Advance Plan to Boost Quality of Out-of-School Programs

New Jersey — State legislators approved a bill Monday to create an advisory commission focused on improving before-school, after-school, and summer programs across New Jersey.
The commission will review current programs, set statewide curriculum standards, coordinate funding, and develop an action plan. It must submit a final report with recommendations to the governor and legislature within two years of its first meeting. Supporters emphasized the importance of these programs in supporting working families and enhancing children’s academic and social skills during critical developmental periods.
Research shows that high-quality programs improve school performance and reduce risky behaviors. Legislators also highlighted the need for consistent standards to address disparities in program quality and academic achievement, such as low third-grade reading proficiency rates.
The bill passed the Assembly education committee unanimously and now moves to the Assembly and Senate appropriations committees for further consideration. It has been introduced every legislative session since 2013 but had not previously passed.