New Jersey ranks 21st  in the nation for preschool enrollment for 4-year-olds, according to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research. During the 2022-2023 school year, 33% of 4-year-olds and 22% of 3-year-olds were enrolled in preschool. The Garden State ranked fourth in the nation for enrollment of 3-year-olds, the report says.

Preschool enrollment increased from the previous year and state spending per child went down. The state spent $16,302 per child in 2022-2023, which is second only to the District of Columbia, according to the report. New Jersey is 1 of 16 states and the District of Columbia that is committed to universal preschool.

“Access to early childhood education helps set the tone for the rest of a child’s educational career by providing innumerable benefits that will follow young learners throughout their lives,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement. “From advanced literacy skills to enhanced social and emotional development, access to high-quality preschool programs has a tangible impact on our children.”

New Jersey met 9 of the 10 research-based quality standards recommended by the National Institute for Early Education Research, an improvement from the previous year.

“We applaud New Jersey leaders for committing to universal, high quality preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds in a system that incorporates private providers to meet the needs of all families,” said Steven W. Barnett, the National Institute’s senior co-director in a statement.